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Third Year's Course, 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST, 



BY 



G. M. STEELE, D. D 



REVISED EDITION. 



SPRINGFIELD, MASS.: 

CYEUS W. ATWOOD, PRINTER. 

18 87. 



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Tini"mT 



Third Year's Course, 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 



1 



f : 



G. M. STEELE, D. D 



REVISED EDITION. 




SPRINGFIELD, MASS.: 

CYEUS W. ATWOOD, PRII^TER. 

18 87. 






Copyright, 1887, by 
G. M. Steele. 






The Thied Year' s Course of Bible Study now 
presented, comprises the Life of Christ as set forth in 
the Evangelists. There are brief introductions to many 
of the lessons, aiming to give a simple explanation of cer- 
tain terms used or usages referred to in the text, or to 
give a more obvious connection of the events narrated. 

It has been the design to present the events in 
their chronological order, and, also, to harmonize the 
different narratives. The method is, for the most part, 
that of Dr. Strong, in his "Harmony of the Gospels." 

The plan chiefly adopted, is that of analysis or 
epitome, with a few suggestive questions. The design 
is to bring out the prominent points in each lesson, and 
especially to secure the moral and spiritual effect which 
this marvelous Life should have upon human character. 



THE 



LIFE OF CHRIST 



I. 

Historical Antecedents.— Birth of John and of Jesus. 

In the studies heretofore occup3ing our attention, we have had a pretty- 
full account of the Israelitish and Jewish nations down to the fourth century 
before Christ. A very brief sketch during the intervening centuries, gath- 
ered from secular sources, is given in the Introduction to Number XXXII. of 
Hebrew History. It is important to recollect at this point that all this his- 
tory is a history of the world's preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus 
Christ on his mission of human redemption. 

The Roman power, the fourth of the great world empires described and 
predicted by Daniel, (ii. and vii.,)had now reached its summit. It had ex- 
tended its sway over the larger proportion of the then known world. 
Though its successes had wrought deep and disastrous corruptions in its 
great cities, this period was outwardly that of its greatest brilliancy. 
Wealth was abundant; arts, letters and commerce flourished as never before. 
The Emperor, Augustus Caesar, was perhaps in most respects the greatest 
and most generous of his line. The territory under his sway was in round 
numbers nearly three thousand miles in length and from one to two thousand 
in breadth. 

Judea lay at the south-western extremity of these domains. This coun- 
try and its inliabitants had passed through many and extraordinary vicissi- 
tudes since the restoration from the Babylonian captivity. Till within a 
few 5^ears it had been under the rule, real or nominal, of the Asmonean 
princes, descendants and successors of the great Maccabean family, members 
of which had performed such heroic exploits, and had achieved and for a 
time maintained the independence of the nation in the second century B. C. 
About 63 B. C, Judea had been made tributary to the all-conquering power 
of Rome, and Antipater, a noble but crafty Idumean, had been by Julius 
CiTesar made procurator, though there was still a nominal government under 
one of the Asmonean house, Herod, the son of Antipater, aiUr the death of 
Caesar, by various means ingratiated himself with the authorities at Rome, 
and was appointed king over a territory embracing substantially the whole of 
Palestine. His recognition by the people was achieved only after a fierce 
war and much bloodshed, He was a man of powerful character, and vast 



6 BIBLE STUDY. 

energy and enterprise were displayed by him in the establishment of his gov- 
ernment and the maintenance of his authority; but he was one of the most 
vindictive, cruel and violently wicked of princes. He slew his own sons out 
of jealousy, and put to death his beautiful, virtuous and accomplished wife 
Mariamne for the same cause. We see this character exemplified in his order 
for the slaughter of all the children in Bethlehem that he might make sure 
of the infant Jesus, the predicted and feared " King of the Jews." 

The nation, however, was in a fairly prosperous condition. Herod had 
built and beautified many cities, and almost reconstructed the Temple at Je- 
rusalem. Almost for the first time for centuries the descendants of the 
Twelve Tribes occupied the whole of their ancient territory under a consol- 
idated government, and it was the fullness of time for the advent of the 
Messiah. 

Luke i. 5-80 ; iii. 23-38. Matt. i. 1—23. 

1. At what different points of time do the Evangelists begin their ac- 
counts of the Life of Christ? Coincidence between the beginning of the 
Old Testament and the beginning of John's Gospel in the New. 

2. Grounds of the expectation among the Jews that a Divine Person 
would appear among them at some period of their history, who would be a 
Redeemer and Restorer. Gen. xlix. 10. Numbers xxi v. 17. Deut. xviii. 15. 
Isa. ix. 6 and 7; xi. 1 — 10. Micah v. 2. (Give also other passages of simi- 
lar import.) 

3. Meaning of the words Messiah and Christ. 

4. Coincidence between the ending of the old Testament and the begin- 
ning of Mark's Gospel in the New. Mark i. 1 — 8. Malachi iii. 1; and iv. 5 
and 6. Other predictions fulfilled in John the Baptist. Isa. xl, 3 — 5; Luke 
iii. 4 — 6. 

5. Incidents connected with the birth of John the Baptist. 

(a) His parentage and lineage. Character of his parents and of- 
fice of his father. Luke i. 5 — 9. 

(b) How many courses of priests were there for the temple ser- 
vice, and to which of these did Zachaiias belong? I. Cliron. xxiv. 
7 — 18. (See v. 10 and compare with Luke i. 5.) 

(c) The vision and announcement. Luke i. 11 — 17. The unbe- 
lief of Zacharias and the penalty incurred. 18 — 20. 

(d) The birth and naming of the child. Cessation of Zacharias' 
affliction and his prophetic song. 57—79. 

6. The genealogy of Jesus. Matt. i. 1—16. Luke iii. 23—38. 

(a) What difference do you find in these two lists? 

(b) Mention some of the more distinguished names, and give a 
brief account of them. 

(c) Is the genealogy that of Joseph, or of Mary? 

(d) What reason is there for supposing that Mary also belonged 
to this line? Lu. i. 27 and 32. 

7. The annunciation. Lu. i. 26 — 38. 

(a) The Angel's visit. Where was Mark's residence? Its geo- 
graphical situation, 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 7 

(b) The announcement, and the consequent wonder in the mind 
of Mary. 

(c) The predicted character of the child. 

8. Joseph's relation to Mary and his embarrassment. The prophecy 
Goncerning the manner of Christ's birth and its fulfillment. Isa. vii. 14. 
Matt. i. 22, 23. 

9. The prescribed name of the child, and its meaning? Matt. i. 21. 
What others of the same name had appeared in previous great crises of the 
national history? Num. xxvii. 18—21; Haggai. i. 1, and Zech. iii. What 
was the difference between the salvation under the former Joshuas and that 
under Jesus? Matt. i. 21. 

10. What other name had been applied to the future child, and its sig- 
nification? Isa. vii. 14. Matt. i. 23. John i. 14. 

11. The decree of the Roman government for the taxing or the census 
of all the subjects of the empire. Lu. ii. 1. Tlie journey made necessary 
to Joseph and Mary by this decree. The length of the journey. 

12. What previous allusions to Bethlehem are found in the Hebrew his- 
tory? Gen. XXXV. 19; I. Sam. xvi. 1 and 4. What eminent ancestor of Je- 
sus was born there? How far was it from Jerusalem? 

13. The birth of the child. Where was he laid after his birth, and 
why? Lu. ii. 7. , 



II. 

The Infancy, 

The visit of the Wise Men from some region at the east of Judea, is one 
of the remarkable and yet most mysterious events connected with the birth 
of Jesus. There have been many inquiries and speculations concerning the 
character and the coming of these seekers after the new^-born child; but all 
that is essential to be know^n is doubtless implied in the narrative. They 
were in some sense representatives of the gentile world bringing a welcome 
to the Saviour not of the Jews only, but of the whole human race. They 
represented more than the Roman Empire, for they evidently came from be- 
yond its limit The title applied to them in the original record indicates that 
they came from the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, where astronomy was 
early cultivated, and w^here the prevailing heathenism had taken on the form 
of worship of the heavenly luminaries. There were doubtless among such 
worshipers some who still cherished amid the corruptions of their religion 
traces of the One God, the Father of Lights, and spiritual conceptions of 
the truths of the primal revelations. 

This would seem also to be implied in the " Star" given for their guid- 
ance. This, unquestionably, was a supernatural light, attracting the attention 
of those whose expectation of a coming Deliverer had already been excited 
by other means. For we have abundant evidence from authentic secular 
history that a wide-spread impression, both in the Romau world and beyond 



8 BIBLE STUDY. 

its limits, affected a certain class of persons — vaguely and indefinitely, it is 
true, but still really, — that a remarkable personage was about to appear, born 
somewhere in the East, and by many, as by these Wise Men, in Judea. 
Whether this had come from the Jews dispersed far or near among the na- 
tions, or from the influence of the Spirit of God, operating upon the minds 
of the more devout among the heathen, or, as is more likely, by both these 
causes, the fact seems well established. 

The magi, guided by the star, had come to Judea, and already had 
the conviction that the new-born child was a royal personage and the ' ' king of 
the Jews," At Jerusalem, examination of the written prophetic revelations 
showed that the Messiah was to be born at Bethlehem; and thither, still 
guided by the celestial light, they resorted, and found the young child. The 
gifts they presented indicated that these foreigners were persons of very great 
distinction and wealth. They also imply not only homage given to a royal 
personage, but offerings to a Divine being which also coincides with the 
"worship " spoken of. *' Ages before, a prophet from the same regions had 
predicted the Messiah by the sign of * the star that should arise out of Jacob ; ' 
and while these sages watched the heavens with the reverence of worshipers, 
it pleased God to use their own ideas as the source of new light." 



Luke ii. 8—38. Matt. ii. 1—18. 

1 . To whom outside of the family, and by whom, was the first announce- 
ment of the birth of this child? How was the announcement made? Lu. ii. 
8—14. What did the shepherds do, and what did they find? 15 — 18. 

2. The presentation in the Temple. Lu. ii. 22 — 24. What was the hiw 
concerning the offering on such an occasion ? Lev, xii. 6 and 8. AVhy did the 
mother of Jesus bring two doves or two young pigeons, instead of a lamb? 

3. Simeon's meeting with the child, and his previous revelation con- 
cerning it. Lu. ii, 25, 26. His utterance concerning the character of the 
child, 29—32 ; 34, 35, 

4. The greeting of the aged prophetess Anna. 36—38, What do these 
prophetic declarations indicate concerning the character of the child? 

5. Visit of the Wise Men, Matt, ii, 1—12. 

(a) From what region are they supposed to have come? (See 
Introduction,) About how far, probably, from Palestine? 

(b) Was there any expectation, outside of the Jewish race, of 
the advent of a mysterious royal and Divine person? 

(c) What guided them in their search ? 

(d) Fulfillment of prophecy in this coming. Isa. Ix. 3. 

(e) The arrival at Jerusalem and the inquiry there, the excite- 
ment of the people, and Herod's jealousy lest his authority might 
be disturbed. 

(f ) The examination of the prophetic records by the priests and 
scribes, and the decision that the predicted Messiah must be born 
at Bethlehem. 

(g) Herod's strenuous and hypocritical charge to the magi. 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 9 

6. The finding of the child by the strangers, who bestow gifts and 
offer worship. 9 — 11. What does the character of the gifts brought indi- 
cate concerning the condition of the bringers? What do their offering and 
their worship show? ( See Introduction.) 

7. The Wise Men warned, and Herod batfled. 12. 



III. 

CMldhood and Youth. 



Soon after the flight of Jesus and his parents to Egypt, tlie cruel and 
tyrannical King Herod died. The strong, compact, and, in some respects, 
powerful monarchy which he had created, embracing the whole of ancient 
Palestine, and which he had hoped to perpetuate in his own family, virtually 
came to an end with him. The scepter had departed from Judah, for Shiloh 
had come. Indeed, the reign of Herod had only been by permission of the 
imperial Roman government; and though there was a strong semblance of 
independence, yet the influence of Rome was constantly felt. 

Herod, by his will, had virtually divided the kingdom among three of 
his sons. Though Archelaus was named as his successor, and had the cen- 
tral government of Judea, Idumea and Samaria, Herod Antipas was to h^ 
made governor or tetrafch of Galilee and a portion of Peraea, wliile Herod 
Philip held the similar office of ruler of the north-eastern portion of the 
country beyond Jordan. Even this disposition of the government was of 
no avail, till it had the sanction of the Emperor Augustus. It was substan- 
tially confirmed, though Archelaus was not permitted to take the title of king, 
and after a few years, for his maladministration, was wholly displaced, and 
Judea became a Roman province, with governors or procurators appointed 
by the emperor. Pontius Pilate was one of those appointed about A. D. 26, 
and it was under his administration that the crucifixion of our Lord took 
place. The government of Herod Antipas, the ethnarch of Galilee, was 
milder and less disquieting to the parents of Jesus than that of Archelaus, 
and for this reason they preferred to return to their old residence in Nazareth. 



;Matt. ii. 13—33. Luke ii. 39-53. 

1. The flight to Egypt. The parents of Jesus divinely informed con- 
cerning the purpose of the king, and directed to take the child to Egypt. 
13 — 15. How long a journey would this probably be? 

2. Herod's wrath at the defeat of his plot. His infamous decree, and 
its execution. 16—18. 

3. The return from Egypt and settlement at Nazareth. Matt. ii. 19—23. 
Lu. ii. 39. 

(a) What had taken place during the absence in Egypt? 
2 



10 BIBLE STUDY. 

(b) Who was now ruler in Judea? Was his jurisdiction as ex- 
tensive as that of his father had been? 

(c) Why did the parents of Jesus turn aside from Judea, and go 
to Galilee? Who was the ruler here, and how did his government 
compare with that of Archelaus. 

4. Character of Jesus as a child. Lu. ii. 40. What is especially note- 
worthy about the accounts of these early years of Christ's life? (See Intro- 
duction to No. y.) 

5 The annual visit of his parents to Jerusalem. Lu. ii. 41. What feast 
was the occasion of this visit and what was its origin ? How many public 
feasts were the Jews required publicly to celebrate ? Ex. xxiii. 14 — 17. 
Indications of the religious character of Joseph and Mary. 

6. What occurred when Jesus was twelve years old? Lu. ii. 42, 48. 

(a) What was there remarkable about the situation in which his 
parents found him? 46, 47. 

(b) The effect upon them, and his mother's mild reproach. 48. 

(c) His answer and its signiticanc(!. 49. 

7. What is the sum of all that we know concerning the subsequent 
childhood and youth of J( sus? 51, 52. 

8. Is there any thing exti'aordinary about this profound silence of all 
the Evangelists concerning the early years of so remarkable a person. 



IV. 
The Herald and Usher. 

During all these years, John, the son of Zacharias, appears to have dwelt 
in the "desert,"— that is, the sparsely settled hill-country of Judea to the 
west of the Dead Sea. There were a very few cities and villages in this 
region, and in one of these his parents had dwelt at the lime of his birth. 
But he evidently sought the solitudes apart from the towns, and lived an 
ascetic life, disciplining himself for his ministry to the people to prepare 
them for the coming of the Messiah. At about thirty years of age, — the age 
at which the priests entered upon their public work, he opened his mission in 
these same regions, going gradually to the north where the Jordan comes 
down above the Dead Sea. Here he would meet occasional companies of 
travelers, and to them he began to preach. The extraordinary character of 
his message, and his rude raiment of camel's hair cloth f.«stened wiili a leather 
girdle,— the traditionary prophetic garb, — and his abstemious priniilive diet, 
together with the fervor and power of his preaching, attracted attention and 
occasioned the resort of multitudes to see and hear him. The excitement 
appears to have been very great, and the conviction produced by this min- 
istry was almost universal throughout all Judea and nnich of the neighbor- 
ing country. 

We have no detailed account of John's method, nor more than brief 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 11 

fragments of any of his discourses, and a summary statement of liis main 
topics. The selfishness and wickedness of the people were denounced, and 
repentance and reformation were enjoined as a preparation for the coming 
of the Messiah, whom he announced as immediately at hand. The baptism 
which he administered to all who accepted his exhortations, was simply sym 
holic of the putting away of the defilement of sin, and the purpose of a 
clean life. This ministry began about six months before the public career of 
-lesus opened, and continued for some time, though probably not many 
months, after. John, who had gradually made his way up the Jordan, came 
at last into the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, and, for the bold reproof which 
he administered to that prince for his criminal conduct, was by him thrown 
into prison and shortly after executed. 

We shall meet frequently with the designation Pharisees and Sadducees. 
These were two distinct and prominent religious parties among the Jews. 
The Pharisees were strict formalists and legalists, though to the letter of the 
law they had added many traditions and fanciful casuistic interpretations, 
Tlieir religion was ritual and mechanical, and utterly incompatible with the 
liberty and spirituality of genuine godliness. They were bigoted and exclu- 
sive to an extraordinary degree, and would not eat and drink with the masses 
of the people. A large proportion of them rigidly adhered to their doctrines, 
and carefully observed all the petty artificial rules which they had laid down 
for themselves. They were not socially aristocratic, but they were morally 
and religiously so, assuming a higher sanctity than others. Nor were they 
connected exclusively with the wealthier classes. These facts gave them 
great influence with the masses of the people. 

The Sadducees disagreed in all prominent points with the Pharisees. But 
the great, marked characteristic of their sect, was the denial of the resurrec- 
tion of the dead and of spiritual existence. This party embraced a consider- 
able proportion of the wealthy and cultivated Jews. 

There was also the sect of the Essenes, about which, however, little is 
said in the Evangelists. They appear to have been more devoutly and spirit- 
ually religious than either of the other parties. 



Luke iii. 1—17. Matt. iii. 1—11. Mark i. 1—5. John i. 1—34 ; iii. 27—36. 

1. What changes had taken place in the civil government of Palestine 
since the birth of Christ? (See Introduction to No. III.) At what time did 
John the Baptist begin his ministry? Lu. iii. 1. 

2. The burden of his preaching. Matt. iii. 8 ; Mark i. 5 ; Lu. iii. 3. 
The meaning of the words repent and repentance. Was there any large 
occasion in the character of the people for this kind of exhortation? 

8. The localities of his religious gatherings. Matt. iii. 1 and 5 ; Mark 
i. 4, 5 ; Lu. iii. 3 and 7. What was the nature of the country in this vicinity, 
and what its direction from Jerusalem? (Introduction.) Were these meet- 
ings, in any respects, like certain modern religious gatherings? 

4. The attendance upon John's preaching. Matt. iii. 5 ; Mark i. 5. 
Wliat parties are especially mentioned? Matt. iii. 7. What was the charac- 
ter of these respective parties? (See Introduction.) 



12 BIBLE STUDY. 

5. The vigorous rebukes addressed especially to the members of the 
two chief Jewish parties. Matt. iii. 7 — 10 ; Lu. iii. 7 — 9. What were the 
people, therefore, generally admonished to do? How is genuine repeatance 
and conversion likely to evince itself? Matt. iii. 8 ; Lu. iii. 8. Will a godly 
parentage or ancestry avail any thing necessarily towards one's justification? 
Matt. iii. 9, 10 ; Lu. iii. 8. 

6. Instruction, as to practical conduct, to various classes of inquirers. 
Lu. iii. 10 — 14. Who were the publicans, and what was the cause of their 
unpopularity? Was their calling essentially improper? 

7. Excitement of the people at the nature and powerful effect of John's 
ministry. Their eager and interested questionings. Lu. iii. 15 ; Jno. i. 19. 

8. His prompt and modest denial of any claim of his own to the Mes- 
siahship. Jno. i. 20 — 23. His testimony concerning Christ. Matt. iii. 11 ; 
Mark i. 7 ; Lu. iii. 16, 17 ; Jno. i. 26, 27. 

9. John the Baptist's introduction of Christ, and further testimony con- 
cerning his character. Jno. i. 15 — 18, and 29 — 34. Also, Jno. iii. 27 — 36. 
What extraordinary titles are here applied to Jesus? What profound signifi- 
cance is attributed to the lamb, in the Jewish ceremonial service? 

10. What does John the Evangelist say of the personage concerning 
whom John the Baptist gives this testimony? Jno. i. 1 — 14. Taken in con- 
nection with the Baptist's declarations, what may be gathered from these 
statements concerning the previous existence, mission and Divine character 
of Christ? 



V. 
Preparation of Jesus for the Beginning of His Ministry. 

In studying the Life of Christ, we need to take into careful consideration 
the character of the records from which we derive our information. These 
are comprised in four brief treatises known as "gospels," written severally 
by men who lived in the time of Christ, two of them by his immediate com- 
panions, and the other two by persons most intimate with his apostles. Al- 
together they do not occupy as much space as the one-half of an ordinary 
twelve-mo book, and they severally average scarcely so much as a moderate 
modern pamphlet. 

They do not profess to be biographies or complete lives of Jesus ; but 
are rather fragmentary and somewhat disconnected memoirs or collected 
reminiscences. Yet they so set forth the prominent facts and characteristics 
of this remarkable life, that the world has received a vivid impression of a 
grand, unique and perfect human person, the greatness of wdiose humanity 
can be accounted for only on the supposition that it was also Divine. 

Three of these memoirs, though entirely independent of each other, ap- 
pear to have been written from nearly the same point of view, and present 
in large measure the same facts. For this reason they are called the synop- 
tical gospels. These reminiscences are, for the most part, confined to Christ's 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 13 

Galilean experience. John, the fourth Evangelist, appears to have written 
some time after the others. His work is to a considerable extent supple- 
mentary to theirs. He gives more full information concerning Christ's min- 
istry in Jerusalem and Judea, and dwells more upon the spiritual character 
and doctrines of the new dispensation. 

One remarkable characteristic of these writings, is their freedom from 
any literary intention. The writers seem to give to the world such facts of 
Christ's career as will convey a clear impression of his character and his 
object in coming to the world. They give no connected or protracted doc- 
trinal discussions. They are as simple and free from all preconceived theo- 
ries and theological or philosopical bias as it is possible to conceive. They 
do not even profess to give their statements of facts in a wholly logical or 
chronological order; but only as the events come uppermost in their minds 
and press for expression, do they utter them. 

Another characteristic is the silence of all these writers about many things 
on which multitudes of people, reasonably or unreasonably, desire informa- 
tion. There is not the least attempt to gratify a vulgar curiosity, or to in- 
dulge in any spirit of gossip. We have nothing at all about Christ's personal 
appearance, and only the most meager information about his childhood and 
youth. Two of the Evangelists do not allude to any event in his life till the 
beginning of his public career. Only one of them gives us the slightest 
glimpse of him during the twenty-eight or nine years between his infancy 
and his baptism; and that one speaks only of a single event in that long pe- 
riod. Yet out of these records of only a small fraction of a not very long 
life comes an influence affecting humanity more powerfully than all other 
lives together since the world began ! 



Matt. iii. 13-17; iv. 1—11. Mark i. 9— 13. Luke iv. 1—12. John i. 37— 51; li. 1—12. 

1 . Jesus leaves his home in Nazareth, and resorts to the place near the 
Jordan where John the Baptist was holding his convocation. He presents 
himself as a candidate for baptism. Matt. iii. 13; Mark i. 9. 

2. John's objection to performing this office for one whom he recog- 
nizes as his spiritual superior. Matt. iii. 14. Can any other reason be given 
why it might be deemed unnecessary for such an one as Jesus to be bap- 
tized with the baptism of repentance ? 

3. Jesus overrules the objection, on the ground of ceremonial pro- 
priety. 15. 

4. The extraordinary occurrence immediately consequent on the bap- 
tism. Relate what was seen and heard. Matt. iii. 16,17; Mark i. 10, 11; 
Lu. iii. 21, 22. How old was Jesus at this time? Lu. iii. 23. 

5. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit coming upon him especially 
at his baptism, Jesus goes into the desert of Judea, far from human habita- 
tions, and exposed to wild beasts, he fasts forty days. Matt. iv. 1, 2; Mark i. 
12, 13; Lu. iv. 1, 2. 

6. The great conflict with Satan. Matt. iv. 2—10; Lu. iv. 2—11. 

(a) Jesus, after the long fasting, tortured with hunger, is urged 



14 BIBLE STUDY. 

to exert his miraculous powers for his personal gratification. An 
appeal to physical appetite. The answer to this solicitation. 

(b) Appeal to selfish sensationalism and the desire for human 
praise. How is this met? 

(c) Appeal to selfish ambition, — the desire of power. His 
prompt rebuke of the infamous suggestion. 

(d) The refusal throughout to cherish a willful and wayward 
spirit in preference to a patient and self-denying one. 

7. Do we find other instances, in the Bible, of a forty days' religious 
seclusion and fasting at important epochs? Ex. xxiv. 18; xxxiv. 28; I. Ki. 
xix. 8. 

8. The ministry of angels. Matt. iv. 11; Marki. 13; Lu. iv. 12. 

9. After his return from his great spiritual conflict, Jesus is sought by 
two of John the Baptist's disciples, who had heard their master's testimony 
concerning him. Jno. i. 37 — 39. Andrew finds his brother Simon, and in- 
troduces him to Jesus, who bestows upon him the new name of Peter. 

10. The calling of Philip. The introduction of Nathanael, and his 
conversation with Jesus, 43—51. What do you infer from Nathanael's re- 
mark about Nazareth as to the reputation of that city? 46. What title does 
Nathanael give to Jesus, and how does Jesus designate himself? 49 and 51. 
Where was the probable residence of all the disciples who had now joined 
themselves to Jesus? 44. 

11. The marriage at Cana. Jno. ii. 1 — 11. The distance of Cana from 
Nazareth? What does the attendance of Jesus upon this social festivity in- 
dicate as to his character and disposition? Tlie exhaustion of the supply of 
wine, and what was done by the direction of Jesus, and the result. 3—10. 
What evidence is there that this was a genuine and not an apparent transfor- 
mation? 10, 

12. Was this transformation natural or supernatural ? 11, How does a 
miracle or supernatural event differ from a natural event? ( See Introduction 
to No. VI, 

13, The visit to Capernaum, 12. In what direction and how far from 
Nazareth was this place ? 



VI. 
Christ's First Public Appearance in Jerusalem. 

A conspicuous characteristic of Christ's ministry was the miraculous 
power which he exercised. A miracle may be defined as an event not expli- 
cable on the basis of merely natural laws or causes, but requiring a power 
above nature, indicating a divine agency and certifying a divine authority in 
the person performing the act, and never occurring except in attestation of 
some religious movement. It was the firm belief among intelligent Jews that 
no genuine miracle could be wrought but by the power of God, and that this 
power was never granted except to a good man. Hence the miracles wrought 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 15 

by Christ appeal with demonstrative force to all candid men. Thus Nicode- 
mus: "No man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with 
him." Prejudiced partisans and enemies of Christ endeavored to destroy the 
force of them by impeaching their genuineness. But their reasoning was so 
palpably superficial and inconsequential, that it required little effort to refute 
them. It was to these works as credentials of this divine authority, that 
Christ so frequently referred; and to the Jews, and in that age, they were 
so incontestable, that they could not well be rejected without guilt. 

Attention is asked to some characteristics of these miracles. 1. They 
were never wrought for the personal gratification either of Jesus or of his 
friends. 2. They Avere never allowed to minister to mere curiosity. 3. They 
were never performed as mere tests of individual power, nor in response to a 
sensational demand. 4. They were, almost without exception, in the way 
of some benevolent ministration to the afflictions of men. 



John ii. 13—25; iii. 1— 20. 

1. Jesus, according to his custom, goes to Jerusalem on the occasion of 
the passover next after the beginning of his ministry. Jno. ii. 13. Explain 
the origin and nature of this memorial, and its relation to Christianity. 

2. Astonishment and grief of Jesus at the profanation of the Temple to 
the uses of secular commerce. He drives out the traders and speculators. 
The dignity and force of character in him which prevented resistance. 
14—16. 

8. The pious zeal manifested excites the admiration of his few friends, 
and the jealousy of the multitude. The latter demand of him a sign, — 
some evidence of his authority for this extraordinary action. 17, 18. His 
answer; their cavilings; the impression on his disciples. 19 — 22. 

4. Having taught^ and wrought some miracles, many were convinced 
cf his divine character and mission; but, owing to their vague and carnal 
conceptions, he did not commit himself to them. 

5. Visit of Nicodemus. Jno, iii. 1. Who was he, and what estimate 
do you form of his character? 

6. His recognition of Christ's miracles and consequent divine power. 2. 

7. The chief topic of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, and the 
ruler's failure to apprehend its real spiritual import. 3 — 8. What designa- 
tion do Christians of this age give to the chang-e here implied? By what 
power is it effected? 5, 6 and 8. 

8. Jesus' assertion of the sacred truth of his teaching, and reference to 
his authority as evinced by his exercise of supernatural power; also, his sole 
ability to reveal these truths, and the reluctance of men to receive them. 
9—13. 

9. The great doctrine of Redemption by Christ as the Son of man and 
the Son of God. 14, 15. Greatness of the divine love. 16. Men condemned, 
not so nmch because of their natural condition or past sinfulness, as because 
of the rejection of the Kedeemer. 17 — 20. 



16 BIBLE STUDY. 



VII. 



The Close of John the Baptist's Ministry.— Jesus among the 
Samaritans. 

The Samaritans occupied the portion of Palestine between Galilee and 
Judea. The inhabitants of the regions both to the north and south of them 
were orthodox Jews, while they themselves were reckoned as aliens, or at 
best as unworthy of religious fellowship. They were, in reality, the descend- 
ants of the inhabitants which had been colonized in the depopulated country 
of the kingdom of Israel, after the conquest of that nation by Shalmaneser, 
king of Assyria. The former inhabitants had been carried away captive, and 
others from various Assyrian cities, had been sent to occupy the land. It is 
not unlikely that a remnant of the Israelities still remained. A mongrel race 
was formed, and it was thought best to conform to the religion of the land, 
though they still worshiped their own idols. On the return of Judah from 
the Babylonian captivity, the Samaritans claimed national and religious affin- 
ity with them, and asked to be allowed to participate in their religious enter- 
prises. This was peremptorily refused, and henceforth there was an irre- 
pressible enmity between the two sections of country and kinds of people. 
Gradually the idolatry of the Samaritans gave way to more exclusive mono 
theism, and a temple was built on Mt. Gerizim as a rival to that at Jerusa- 
lem. The people came to claim that theirs was the purer Hebrew faith. 
The animosity was great between the Jews and Samaritans, and even the 
common courtesies of life were often denied. Christ himself, though rebuk- 
ing the bitterness and hatred of the two peoples, yet regarded the Samari- 
tans as aliens, or as not comprised among the covenant people. Still they 
appear to have cherished similar hopes and expectations concerning the Mes- 
siah to those of the Jews. 



Jno. iii. 22—36 ; i v. i-44. Matt. xiv. 3—5 ; iv. 12—17. Mark vi. 17—20 ; i. U, 15. 
Lu. iv. 14, 15. 

1. Jesus leaves Jerusalem, and goes into the rural sections of Judea, 
near the Jordan, not far from the place where John the Baptist was holding 
his assemblies. Jno. iii. 22, 23. 

2. A little spirit of rivalry and jealousy apparent among the disciples 
of John, when they hear of the people coming to Jesus. They appeal to 
their master, who readily reiterates his declaration of his own subordinate 
chaiacter, and the divine mission and character of Jesus. 25 — 36. Give 
some of the more striking utterances. 30, 35 and 36. 

3. Herod's interest in John and his regard for him, and John's influence 
over him. Mark vi. 20. What changed all this? Matt. xiv. 3, 4; Mark vi. 
17—19; Luke iii. 19, 20. What indication does this give of John's character 
as a preacher? 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 17 

4. What was the result? At whose instigation? Why did not Herod 
put John to death? See above;. also, Matt. xiv. 5. What relation was this 
Herod to the one who was king at the time of Christ's birth? 

5. Jesus departs to go to Galilee. What two reasons are given for his 
leaving Judea? Jno. iv. 1, 2; Matt. iv. 12; Mark i. 14. In what condition 
does he return? Lu, iv. 14. 

6. The halt for rest and refreshment near Sychar, in Samaria. Jno. iv. 
4—6. What was there noted about this spot? What allusions to it in the 
Old Testament? Gen. xxxiii. 19, and xlviii. 22; Josh. xxiv. 1. 

7. Who were the Samaritans, and what was their relation to the Jewish 
religion and to the Jews? (Introduction.) 

8. Conversation with the woman at the well. Jno. iv. 7—26. Why was 
the woman astonished at his request? 9. To what did this request for water 
lead? 10—15. What proof of supernatural power did Jesus give in this 
conversation? 16—18. What great spiritual doctrine did he announce? 
20 — 24. His first announcement of his Messiahship. 25, 26. Is it any way 
singular that it should have been made at this time and place? 

9. Return and surprise of the disciples. 27. They are mystified at his 
refusal to eat. His reference to spiritual things in reply. 31 — o8. 

10. The effect of his teaching on the Samaritans. 39—42. 

11. Arrival in Galilee. Was Jesus Jikely to be more popular there than 
elsewhere? Jno. iv. 44. The beginning of his more special ministry. The 
burden of his preaching. The effect. Jno. iv. 43, 44; Mark i. 14, 15; Matt. 
iv. 17; Lu. iv. 14, 15. 



VIII. 
Jesus at Oana Again, and at Nazareth, 

Galilee was the name of the northernmost, of the three sections into 
which Palestine was divided, in the time of Christ. It had originally desig- 
nated, as the name implies, a little circle or circuit round about Kedesh in 
tie tribe of Naphtali at some distance north of the Lake of Tiberias. It 
embraced the twenty cities which Solomon had given to Hiram, king of 
Tyre, in pajTuent for service in the building of the Temple, but w^hich 
Hiram had rejected, applying to them the term "cabul," disagreeable or 
dirty. I. Kings ix. 11 — 13. The region had been largely inhabited by other 
than Jews; hence the term "Galilee of the Gentiles." Later, the territory 
so designated gradually increased in extent, till it embraced the whole Plain 
of Esdraelon down to a line some distance below the Sea of Tiberias. During 
the Babylonian captivity, it was no doubt wholly occupied by Gentiles. 
But, by the time of Christ, these had in great measure given place to Jewish 
or Israelitish families returning from the dispersion, though doubtless there 
were still some communities of aliens among them, 
3 



18 BIBLE STUDY. 

It appears that the Jewish inhabitants of this region were less cultivated 
than their brethren in Judea; that their dialect was ruder, and that they 
were affected, to some extent, with the character of their heathen neighbors, 
though their religious faith was uncorrupted, and the simple forms of the 
synagogue worship were preserved in their purity. 

It was in the cities, villages and hamlets of this extensive territory that 
a very large proportion of Christ's ministry was exercised; and he appears 
to have traveled over, not only the densely populated Plain of Esdraelon 
and the shores of the inland sea, but sixty or seventy miles farther north to 
the border of Phoenicia and the neighborhood of Caesarea-Philippi, near the 
foot of Mount Hermon. 



\ 
John iv. 46— 54. Luke i v. 16— 31. Matt, i v. 14— 16. 

1. The second visit to Cana. Jno. iv. 46. What had taken place at a 
former visit? 

2. Relate the remarkable event which occurred at this time. 47 — 52. 
(a) The distance of Cana from Capernaum? (b) The rank of the man who 
came to Jesus asking help for his child? (c) The rebuke of Jesus to the eager 
curiosity of the people. 48. (d) What appears to have been the state of the 
father's mind? (e) Did Jesus do just what the man asked him to do, or did 
he take some other method of meeting his want? 50. (f) Do you see in this 
any special relation of his action to the morbid curiosity of the multitude? 
(g) What time in the day did the disease abate? How long before the 
father's return? What does this length of time indicate on the part of the 
father? (h) The consequence in the relations of the family to Christ? 

3. Jesus' return to the city where his home had been. Lu. iv. 16. What 
took place on the Sabbath? 17. What was the synagogue? Can you think 
of any reason why Jesus, more than any other man, should have been expected 
to address the people? 

4. What passage did he read from the Hebrew scriptures, and where is 
it found? 18, 19. To whom had the Jews uniformly applied this descrip- 
tion? To whom did Jesus apply it? 20, 21. 

5. How did his actions affect the people? 22. His discernment of their 
expectations and desires. 23. 

6. Did he meet that expectation? What did he say in reference to it? 
24—27. What do these words imply? Would miracles among this people 
have been productive of any profitable result, and why? 

7. The effect upon the people. 28, 29. What was the reputation of 
Nazareth ? Jno. i. 46. Did their action, on this occasion, agree with their 
reputation ? 

8. The frustration of their evil purpose. 30. 

9. Jesus' change of residence. Matt. iv. 13; Lu. iv. 31. What was 
their part of the country called? Malt. iv. 15. What prophecy was fulfilled? 
14—16; Isa. ix. 1, 2. 

10. Give some account of Galilee. (See Introduction to this number.) 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 19 



IX. 

Christ's Ministry in the Neighborhood of the Western Coast 
of the Galilean Lake. 

There has been much discussion, especially in modern times, on the sub- 
ject of demoniacal possessions, — of which there are many instances in the 
narrative of Christ's life and work. There are three leading theories. The 
first makes the accounts of these merely symbolical, and having no basis of 
fact. The possession of the devils is, according to this theory, only repre- 
sentative of the prevalence of evil in this world; and their casting out, the 
overthrow of this evil by the power of truth. But evidently this is a part 
of the mythical theory of the Bible held by Strauss and others, and must 
fall with that theory. 

The second view is, that the condition of the afflicted was caused by 
some species of epilepsy, or some cognate disease, generally accompanied by 
insanity. Those that hold to this theory, of course, reject all notions of any 
spiritual personality controlling the "possessed," and claim that Christ and 
his apostles in treating these cases only adapted themselves to the notions 
prevailing at the time among the Jews. Bui certainly this was not at all in 
accordance with Christ's method in dealing with Jewish superstitions, tradi- 
tions and errors. He was accustomed to repudiate and openly rebuke them. 
His method, too, of direct and personal address to these agencies, indicated 
that he regarded them as actual, conscious intelligences, independent of 
their victim. That, as such, they were regarded by him as malevolent and 
vicious, there is no doubt. 

The simplest and most natural interpretation, then, is here, as elsewhere 
in the Bible, the best; and following this, we must conclude that, at the time 
of Christ's appearing in our world as the Redeemer of men, with credentials 
of divine power, the kingdom of darkness was also permitted to put forth its 
malign but extraordinary energy in the opposite direction, and that Jesus 
here, in a concrete and typical manner, showed not only his antagonism to 
wicked spirits but his complete and ready mastery of them. 



Matt. iv. 18-20 ; vii. 28, 29 ; viii. l^^-17. Mark i. 16-34. Luke iv. 32—41; v. 1—11. 

1. Jesus being on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and a crowd of peo- 
ple gathering about him, he enters a boat belonging to one of his friends 
and addresses them. Lu. v. 1 — 3; Matt. iv. 18; Mark i. 16. 

2. Miraculous draught of fishes. Lu. v. 4 — 7. (a) Improbability of suc- 
cess, but obedient disposition, (b) Have we previously met those to whom 
this direction was given? (c) Result of the venture, (d) What practical 
lesson do we learn? 

8. The effect on Peter. 8, 9. What conviction was wrought in his 
mind concerning Jesus? 



::J0 BIBLE STUDY. 

4. How many disciples were together at this time, and what appears to 
Jiave been tlieir vocation? Had any others been called by Jesus, up to this 
time? 

5. Jesus' answer to Peter, and his promise to them all. Lu. v. 10; Matt, 
iv. 19. What did they do? Matt. iv. 20; Lu. v. 11; Mark i. 20. 

6. His visit'to Capernaum, and his preaching there. Mark i. 23. The 
effect of his preaching on the people. 22; Matt. vii. 28, 29; Lu. iv. 32. Can 
you giA^ any characteristics of Christ's teaching? Did he reason much, 
or quote authorities? 

7. Cure of the demoniac. Mark i. 23—28; Lu. iv. 33—37. (a) The 
nature of the malady, (b) Source of the utterance, "Let us alone," and 
the cause of the antagonism to Jesus? (c) The word and power of Jesus, — 
to wliat addressed? (d) Effect upon the afflicted man? Effect upon the peo- 
ple? (e) What did this power indicate upon the part of Jesus? (f) Effect 
on the inhabitants of the neighboring regions? 

8. Miraculous healing of Peter's mother-in-law. Mark i. 29 — 81. Matt, 
viii. 14, 15; Lu. iv. 38, 39. What visible means were used for the restora- 
tion? Was there any natural efficacy in these? 

9. Effect of these events upon the inhabitants of Capernaum? Mark i. 
32—34. Matt. viii. 16; Lu. iv. 40, 41. What did Jesus do to the gathering 
multitudes? What injunction did he lay upon the evil spirits? What testi- 
mony did these attempt to give? Why should he rebuke them? 

10, What messianic prophecy was here fulfilled? Matt. viii. 17. Where 
is it found in its original form? 



X. 

Continued Travels and Ministering throughout Galilee. 

Matt. iv. 23—25 ; viii. 3-4 ; ix. 2-9. Mark i. 35-45 ; 11. 1—14. Lu. Iv. 43—44 ; v. 12-28. 

1. The early rising and retirement for devotion. Mark i. 35 ; Lu. iv. 
42. Was this an exceptional act? Can you mention other instances? 

2. The disciples, seeking him, urge the desire of the people to see and 
hear him. Mark i. 36, 37. What does he propose, and what does he do? 
38,39; Lu. iv. 43,44. 

3. Extensive journeys and labors. His work and its consequences. 
Matt. iv. 23 — 25. How far did his fame extend and what was the result? 

4. Healing of the leper. Mark i. 40—45; Matt. viii. 2—4; Lu. v. 12—15. 
(a) Nature of this disease? How was it regarded under the Levitical law? 
Lev. xiii. and xiv. (b) What does the leper ask of Jesus, and what does 
the expression show as to the way in which the disease was regarded among 
the Jews? Mark i. 40. (c) How was the cure effected? 41,42. (d) What 
charge did Jesus give and why? (e) What ceremony and offering of cleans- 
ing was required in such a case? Lev. xiv. 2 — 20. In case of poverty, what 
modification? 31 — 32. (f) What did the man do who had been healed? 
The effect on the work of Jesus? Mark i. 45. 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 21 

5. Where do we next find Jesus and under what conditions? Mark ii. 1. 
Distinguished visitors present, and their purpose? Lu. v. 17. 

6. Cure of the paralytic. Lu. v. 18—26; Matt. ix. 2—7; Mark ii. 3—12. 
(a) Action of the sick man's friends. What did it indicate? (b) Startling 
announcement. Effect on the religious teachers present? What was their 
reasoning? Was it sound reasoning? (c) Reply of Jesus, and the sequence. 
What powerful and conckidve argument was implied in this? Was it sup 
posed that any being could give the power to work miracles, who could not 
also forgive sins? (d) Effect on the convictions and views of the people. 

7. The call of Levi. Mark ii. 13, 14; Matt. ix. 9; Lu. v. 27, 28. (a) By 
what other name was this disciple known? What important position did he 
fill in relation to Christianity? (b) What had been the office and occupation 
of this new disciple? W^hat was its reputation among the Jews? Did Jesus 
know of the character of the employment ? (c) What did the man thus 
called do? The practical lesson? (d) Did Jesus choose his special disciples, 
or did they choose him? 



XI. 

Beginning of the Second Year of Christ's More Public Ministry. 

His Second Public Visit to Jerusalem. — The Ordaining 

of the Apostles. 

We find occasional allusions in the Evangelists to a party designated as 
Herodians. There is also very frequent mention of the Scribes. The for- 
mer comprised those among the Jews who were in favor of securing the 
title of king to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. This prince was the 
son of Herod the Grea^ and is the same one who imprisoned John the Bap- 
tist at the instigation of his unlawful wife, and afterward put him to death 
under the same influence. He himself and his adherents doubtless had some 
hope that in some way the extensive dominions and power of his father, of 
which only a small fraction had fallen to him, might be restored. But of 
this there was never any even moderate prospect, as the Koman government 
had already reduced the whole region to the condition of a province, and 
tlie efforts made by Herod Antipas to enlarge his power ignominiously failed. 

But this party during the life of Christ were very active, and owing to 
the intimations and mysterious outgivings which were prevalent concerning 
the new teacher, they manifested an intense antipathy to Christ. The grow- 
ing interc-t in the character and teaching of Jesus, the extraordinary deeds 
which he did, the messianic hopes excited everj'-where, the fear that he might 
become the leader of a great popular party the influence of which must be 
adverse to the claims of Herod, made it for their interest to create a hostile 
public sentiment by whatever means lay in their power. As the same kind 
of feeling prevailed in the Pharisaic party, which also was bitterly jealous 
of the increasing influence of Jesus, a coalition for the common purpose of 



22 BIBLE STUDY. 

bringiag Christ into disrepute was readily effected,— though the two parties 
were, for other reasons, antagonistic to each other. 

The Scribes, as the name implies, were originally mere writers or copy- 
ists of the law. Gradually, and not unnaturally, they came to have such 
familiarity with it that they were often called upon for information or inter- 
pretation, and so in time to be teachers and to have authority. In the time 
of Christ, they constituted a kind of professional order similar to that of law- 
yers. They had, so far as popular respect and reverence were concerned, 
come to take the place of the priests, though the chief of the latter still main- 
tained an official dignity. The scribes were principally of the Pharisaic 
party, and, as such, were hostile to Jesus, whose natural yet spiritual inter- 
pretation of the Scriptures was utterly opposed to their technical, formal 
and baldly literal notions. We find them frequently approaching him with 
puzzling questions, and misleading and entangling forms of statement, 
hoping to expose him in some way to contempt. We all know how, at 
almost every point, he met them with so much ease, and disposed of their 
objections with so much wisdom, that we almost overlook the fact that 
there had been any difficulty at all. It became necessary for them, and for 
the whole party to which most of them belonged, if they would make any 
headway against Jesus, to resort to other methods. 



John V. 1—47. Matt. xii. 1—21. Mark ii. 23—28 ; iii. 1—19. Luke vi. 1—16. 

1. Jesus goes to Jerusalem to attend a feast. Jno. v. 1, 

2. The impotent man healed. 2—9. (a) The pool of Bethesda, and the 
popular belief concerning it. (b) The infirm man, the length of his sickness 
and the reason why he had not been cured, (c) Jesus' inquiry, and the an- 
swer, (d) The word of Jesus and the effect. 

3. Rebuke of the man by the Jews, and the ground of it? 10. His 
reply. What was the force of the argument? 

4. Did the restored man recognize Jesus, when he healed him? 13. 
How did he find him out? The advice given. 14. What does this seem to 
imply? 

5. How did the knowledge that it was Jesus who had cured him affect 
the Jews? What fault did they find? 16. 

6. Reply of Jesus. What additional offense did they see in this? 17, 18. 

7. He discourses of his relation to the Father, and the assurance of 
more marvelous things to come. 19, 20. Assertion of his participation, 
as the Son of God, in the power and honor of the Father. 21 — 23. 

8. Solemn assertion that faith in him is essential to salvation from 
eternal condemnation. 24. 

9. Explicit announcement of the Resurrection and the Judgment, — their 
relation to Christ, and the alternative result. 25 — 29, 

10. The judgment and witness of Christ not in his human personality, 
but in his divine. 30 — 32. Testimony of John the Baptist, and his character. 
A higher testimony found in Jesus' works. 33 — 36. 

11. What does he say to the Jews respecting their rejection of evidence? 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 23 

The character of the Scriptures? The selfish greed of their worldly life? 
37—44. 

12. Reference to Moses and his testimony. 45 — 47. What did Moses 
say? Gen. xxii. 18; Deut. xviii. 15 and 18. 

13. The disciples pluck and eat the corn by the wayside on the Sab- 
bath. The Pharisees criticise. Matt. xii. 1,2; Mark ii. 23, 24; Lu. vi. 1, 3. 
Did they object to the taking of the grain, or to the violation of the Sab- 
bath? Was it lawful for them to take the corn of another in this way? 
Deut. xxiii. 25. What indication do we have as to the worldly condition of 
the disciples? 

14. Examples cited in justification of the disciples. Matt. xii. 3 — 5. 
(Also Luke and Mark.) What was the case of David referred to? I. Sam. 
XX i. 6. 

15. Further fundamental and spiritual principles adduced. 6 — 8. Mark 
ii. 27, 28. 

16. Cure of the man with a withered hand. Mark iii. 1 — 5. Matt. xii. 
9 — 13; Lu. vi. 6 — 10. (a) Who were the scribes? (b) Their cavilings about 
the Sabbath, (c) The Lord's answer. (See Matthew.) Had they any reply 
to this, or was any possible ? How did their conduct affect Jesus ? Mark iii. 5. 
What did he do? (d) What effect did this have upon the caviling scribes? 
What did they do? Why were they angry? (e) Who were the Herodians? 
(See Introduction.) 

17. Jesus' withdrawal to the sea-coast, and the occasion of it. Resort 
of multitudes to him, from great distances. Mark iii. 7, 8; Matt. xii. 15. 

18. Inconvenient experience, and how remedied. Mark iii. 9, 10. The 
effect of his presence upon the evil spirits. Why did he forbid their testi- 
mony? 11, 12. Where, in the Old Testament, do you find the prophecy 
quoted in Matt. xii. 18 — 21? What remarkable intimation in the last clause? 
What is meant by the statements in 19 and 20? 

19. The night of prayer and solemn preparation. Lu. vi. 12. What 
special importance was involved in the action about to take place? 

20. The twelve apostles selected. 13 — 16. Mark iii. 13 — 19; Matt x. 
2 — 4. Give the names. Meaning of the word? Can you think of any rea- 
son why twelve were chosen? 

21. Continuation of his ministry. Extraordinary power and efficacy. 
Lu. vi. 17—19. 



XII. 

The Sermon on the Mount. 

Matt, v., vi. and vii. Lu. vi. 20—38. 

1. The Beatitudes. Matt. v. 1 — 10. (Commit.) Special blessings to 
persecuted believers. 11, 12. Woes upon the self-complacent and greedy of 
worldly flattery. Lu. vi. 24—26. 

2. Believers described as salt of the earth and light of the world. 
Matt. V. 13 — 16. Meaning of these metaphors. 



24 BIBLE STUDY. 

3. He rebukes the low, mechanical morality of the Jews of that age. 
17 — 48. (a) Divine character and perpetuity of the moral law of the Old 
Testament 17 — 19. (b) Insufficiency of the formal righteousness of the 
Pharisees. Murder, adultery and such sins not merely in the outward act, 
but in the hatred and lust of the heart. The crime of easy divorce. 20 — 32. 
(c) Profanity more extensive than verbal utterance of oaths. Simplicity of 
speech enjoined. 33 — 37. (d) Retaliation forbidden; concession to foes rec- 
ommended. 38 — 42. (e) Enemies, as well as friends, to be loved. 43 — 47. 
(f) A purpose of perfect assimilation to the divine character, required. 48. 

4. Unostentatious performance of religious duties, (a) Benevolent 
deeds should be quiet and private, vi. 1 — 4. Individual prayer to be offered 
secretly, and with simple sincerity and directness. The Model Pkayer. 
The spirit in which we are to pray. 5—15. (c) Fasting private, and between 
the individual and God. 16—18. 

5. Treasure in heaven and not on earth. Singleness of purpose indis- 
pensable. 19—24. 

6. Reliance on God to supply all our wants All real needs providen- 
tially met. llhistrated by the feeding of the birds, and the array of the 
grass and the flowers. Man far dearer to God than any of these. 25 — 32. 
The true method of life. 33, 34. 

7. Charity and carefulness in condemning others. We are to scru- 
tinize our own character first, vii. 1 — 5. Circumspection in counseling 
others. 6. 

8. The assured effectiveness of prayer. God's affection prompts him 
to give what is needed. 7 — 11. 

9. The Golden Rule. Necessity of intense diligence in seeking the 
way of truth. Definitehess and exclusiveness of this way. ' False teachers 
to be avoided. 12 — 15. 

10. A good character to be known by its effects. A good heart 
incompatible with bad actions. Profession versus practice, and the result. 
21—23. 

11. Christ's words the only foundation. They must, however, enter into 
the life, and not merely the intelligence. 24 — 27. 

12. Effect of this teaching upon the populace. 28, 29. 



XIII. 

Continuance of Christ's Galilean Ministry.— Miracles and 
Teaching. 

Matt. viii. 5 - 13 ; xi. 2—19 ; xii. 23—50. Mark iii. 19—25 ; 28—30. Luke vii. 1-5 ) ; viii. 
1—3, 20, 21 ; xi. 15, 24—28 ; 37—54. 

1. Cure of the centurion's servant. Lu. vii. 1 — 10; Matt. viii. 5—13. 
(a) Meaning of the word, "centurion ? " (b) Character of the officer ? Was 
he ii Jew ? (c) Why did he not himself come to Jesus ? (d) Why did not 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 25 

Jesus go to the man's house ? What was implied in the message ? (e) How 
did Jesus regard the message and the state of the centurion's mind ? (f ) What 
did he say concerning the extension of his kingdom beyond the limits of the 
Jewish nation ? (g) Remarkable feature of this cure ? 

2. Raising of the widow's son at Nain. Lu. vii. 11 — 17. (a) How far, 
and in what direction, was this from Capernaum ? (b) Give the particulars. 
(c) Effect on the people ? 

8. John the Baptist sends to Jesus to inquire more particularly con- 
cerning his messiahship. Lu. vii. 18 — 20. Where was John, at this time? 
3Iatt. xi. 2. 

4. The evidence furnished. Lu. vii. 21—23. Is it probable that John 
\vas familiar with any prophecy which applied these marks to the Messiah ? 
Isa. XXXV. 5, 6; Ixi. 1. 

5. Jesus' testimony concerning John. Lu. vii. 24 — 28; Matt. xi. 7 — 12. 
(a) How did John's character differ from that implied in the question of 
Jesus ? Matt. iii. 4. (b) Identification of John vdth the Elias prophesied of 
as the forerunner, (c) John's greatness as a prophet and preacher, and his 
intiuence. Lu. xvi. 16; Matt. xi. 12. (d) Inconsistency of the people, in 
llieir judgment of John and of Christ. Matt. xi. 16 — 19. (e) The class of 
l)eople that accepted John, and the class that rejected him. Lu. vii. 29, 30. 

6. Jesus dines at a Pharisee's house. Remarkable occurrence there. 
Lu. vii. 36 — 38. (a) The character of this woman. Did she give evidence of 
penitence ? 38. (b) The evil thought of the Pharisee. How did Jesus know 
it, and what did he reply ? 40 — 42. The host's answer, (c) Jesus contrasts 
the Pharisee's want of courtesy, and scant hospitality, with the conduct of 
the woman. 44 — 46. (d) His bold declaration concerning her. 47, 48. 
(e) Further cavil, and renewed assurance to the woman. 49, 50. 

7. Who accompanied Jesus, from this time, in his further travels ? 
What remarkable woman do we first meet here ? Did these women, in any 
way, aid in his work ? Lu. viii. 1 — 3. 

8. Apprehensions of Jesus' friends, because of the vast multitudes 
thronging about the house where he lodged. Mark iii. 19 — 21. 

9. Exorcism of a demon which had made the victim blind and dumb. 
Conviction of the people concerning Christ. Matt. xii. 22, 23. 

10. The Pharisaic party, troubled at the growth of this conviction, re- 
sort to a singular expedient to diminish it. 24; Mark iii. 22; Lu. xi. 15. 

11. How does he confute this reasoning ? Matt. xii. 25 — 28. What is 
the inference concerning himself ? 

12. The strong man's house and the robber. Jesus and Satan, — the an- 
tagonism. 29, 30. The unpardonable sin. 31, 32. Mark iii. 28—30. 

13. The tree and its fruit, — men's moral condition and their acts. Char- 
acter of the Pharisees. Human accountability. Matt. xii. 34 — 37. 

14. Desire of the Pharisees for a sign. 38. Was it sincere ? Reply of 
Jesus? 39—42. 

15. Case of the man from whom the spirit of evil has been expelled, 
but who has not received the Spirit of God. 43—45; Lu. xi. 24 — 26. 

16. Admiration of a woman in the audience, and the reply of Jesus. 
Lu. xi. 27,. 28. 

4 



26 BIBLE STUDY. 

17. Visit of his mother and brothers. Spiritual relationship placed 
above temporal. Matt. xii. 46—50; Lu. viii. 20, 21; Mark iii. 21—25. 
• 18. Another invitation to dine with a Pharisee. Marvel of the host at 
the neglect of a ceremonial custom. Lu. xi. 37, 38. Jesus discourses on in- 
ward and outward purity, and rebukes the practice of the Pharisees. 39—44. 
(Also, Matt, xxiii:. 25—28.) 

19. The lawyer reproved. Plots of the Pharisees. Lu. xi. 45 — 54. 



XIV. 

Continued Teaching and Working in Galilee.— He Begins to 
Make More Constant Use of Parables. 

We note about this time, a change in our Lord's method of teaching. 
Heretofore, it is true, his discourses and conversations have abounded in fig- 
urative expressions, similes, metaphors, and various apt comparisons. The 
terms, parable and parabolic^ have often been applied to these; but the parable 
proper seldom appears in the portion of the narrative over which we have 
now gone. The full meaning of the parable implies that it is a story, in 
which imaginary or fictitious incidents are made to illustrate moral and re- 
ligious truth. It differs from simile and metaphor, in that these merely 
suggest the comparison or analogy, without embodying it in a narrative. It 
differs from a fable, in that the latter teaches some homely prudential maxim 
by attributing to lower animals and inanimate objects the qualities and 
l)roperties of rational beings, and so far forth, though attractive and enter- 
taining, they are not and do not pretend to be true to nature; while the par- 
able is used to convey moral and spiritual truth by a higher order of figures, in 
stories which, thoiigh fictitious, are always true to nature, it differs from the 
allegory in the narrower sense of the latter, in the fact that the allegory is 
the offspring of a poetical imagination, while the parable is conversant with 
the actual relations of life.* 

" The parables uttered by our Saviour claim preeminence over all others, 
on account of their number, variety, appositeness and beauty. Indeed, it is 
impossible to conceive of a mode of instruction better fitted to engage the 
attention, interest the feelings, and impress the conscience, than that which 
our Lord adopted." f Of these parables of Christ, there are some fifty in 
all, and most of them were uttered by him after the middle of the second 
year of his public ministry. 

In the interpretation of a parable, it is not necessary to find a figurative 
meaning for every expression or every phase in the story. Something doubt- 
less, in most cases, belongs to the filling up of the narrative, or to the dress 
and decoration which is designed to make it presentable and attractive. 
There is always one main thought or principle to be conveyed, and this should 

* See McCIintock & Strong's CyclopjBdia,— article, " Paniblo.'" t Ibid. 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 27 

be first sought. Not iinfrequently there are subordinate and incidental les- 
sons which may be deduced; but, in looking for these, care should be taken 
not to produce confusion in respect to the main object. 

The chief motive of Jesus, in speaking in parables, is obvious from what 
has been already said. To the people to whom he primarily addressed him- 
self, it was both a most attractive and effective method of conveying truth, 
and, in some instances, no doubt, truth was presented in this way which 
could not be in any other. But there was another reason which he himself 
avers, and which has been widely misunderstood. He says, Matt. xiii. 13, 14, 
that he speaks to the Jews in parables, "because they, seeing, see not, and 
hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand," thus fulfilling the pre- 
diction of Isaiah. It was not that the truth was ever hidden from those sin- 
cerely desirous of knowing it; but doubtless it was not intended to be revealed 
to those who, through obstinacy and perverseness, were indisposed to receive 
it. There was light enough in these parables, so that all candid and sincere 
souls would follow it up and seek the full meaning, as did the disciples of 
Jesus, while "those who had pleasure in unrighteousness " would not "come 
to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved." To such, the clear revela- 
tion of truth would be "the casting of pearls before swine." 



Luke xii. 1—21; xiii. 1—9, 18, 19; viii. 4— 12, 22— 56 ; ix. .57—62; v. 33— 38, Matt. x. 
26-31 ; xiii. 1—23, 31—52 ; viii. 21—34. Mark iv. 1—41 ;. v. 1—43 ; ii. 18—20. 

1. Jesus rebukes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Concealment and de- 
ception only temporary. Lu. xii. 1 — 3; Matt. x. 26, 27; Mark iv. 22. 

2. The only proper object of fear. God's careful and particular provi- 
dence. He takes care of sparrows, — how much more of men ! Lu. xii. 4 — 6; 
Matt. X. 28—31. 

3. Consequences of confessing and denying Christ. The Holy Spirit 
will give aid in all trying exigencies of Christ's disciples. Lu. xii. 7 — 12. 

4. Requested to arbitrate between two brothers. Parable of the lich 
man and his meditation, illustrating the folly of covetousness. 13—21. 

5. Calamities not proportioned to the particular sins of the victims. 
Illustrations, xiii. 1 — 5. 

6. Parable of the barren fig-tree. 6 — 9. Danger of unbelief and im- 
penitence. 

7. Preaching to the assembled multitudes, from a boat near the shore. 
Parable of the sower. Matt. xiii. 1—9; Mark iv. 1—9; Lu. viii, 4—8. 

8. Objection to the parables, and the answer of Jesus. Matt. xiii. 
10—15; Lu. viii. 9—12; Mark iv. 10—12. .Was there any thing arbitrary or 
unjust in this? (See Introduction,— last part.) How do men become keen 
to i:)erceive and quick to learn truth, and how do they grow dull and obtuse 
and undiscerning ? 

9. Interpretation of the parable. Matt. xiii. 18—23. (Also, Mark and 
Luke.) 

10. Parable of the tares and the wheat. Matt. xii. 24—30. Of the hus- 
bandman's seed sown. The power of truth to produce effect. Mark iv. 26—29. 

11. Of the mustard seed. The extensive development of God's king- 



28 BIBLE STUDY. 

dom from small beginnings. Of the leaven in the dough. Intensive devel- 
opment. Matt. xiii. 31—33; Lu. xiii. 18, 19; Mark iv. 30—32. 

12. Characteristics of Christ's teaching, from this time. Matt. xiii. 34, 
35. What is a parable ? How does it differ from a fable ? What note- 
worthy features in Christ's parables ? (See Introduction.) 

13. Interpretation of the parable of the tares and the wheat. 36—43. 
What is the lesson taught ? 

14. Treasure hid in the field, and pearl of great price. Supreme value 
of religion. 44 — 46. The well furnished householder. Varied methods of 
teaching truth. 51, 52. 

15. Parable of the net and the fishes. Mixed character of the church 
on earth. 47 — 50. 

16. Going to the other side of the lake, a scribe comes to Jesus, volun- 
teering to be his disciple. He is taught that, to do this, he must be prepared 
to sacrifice all worldly considerations. Matt. viii. 18—20; Lu. ix. 57, 58. 
Another, also, instructed that there must be no conditions in his discipleship. 
Matt. viii. 21, 22; Lu. ix. 59—62. 

17. Jesus on the sea asleep in the storm. The terrified disciples awake 
him. He rebukes the storm and makes a calm. Their astonishment. Matt, 
viii. 23—27; Mark iv. 38—41; Lu. viii. 22—25. 

18. Cure of the demoniacs. Matt. viii. 28—34; Mark v. 1—20; Lu. viii. 
26—39, (a) How do the Evangelists differ in their statements ? (b) How 
(lid the evil spirit affect the victim ? (c) Effect of the sight of Jesus ? (d) 
Conversation with the man. (e) Request of the evil spirits, (f) The per- 
mission and the consequences, (g) Effect on the people? On the man 
healed ? 

19. Feast at Levi's house. Who was Levi ? The kind of people pres- 
ent. Cavils of the Pharisees, and Jesus' teply. Matt. ix. 10 — 13; Mark ii, 
15—17; Lu. V. 29—32. 

20. The Pharisees find fault with the disciples for not fasting. Reply 
of Jesus. Matt. ix. 14, 15; Mark ii, 18—20; Lu, v. 33—35, 

21. Parables of patched garments, and new wine in old bottles. Actions 
must be adapted to circumstances. Matt. ix. 16, 17; Mark ii, 21, 22; Lu, v, 
36—38, 

22. Jesus summoned to the daughter of Jairus. Faith of a woman on 
the way, and her marvelous cure. Death of the ruler's daughter, and her 
miraculous restoration, Mark v, 22 — 43; Matt. ix. 18 — 26; Lu. viii, 41 — 56. 



XV. 

Jesus Continues to Teach in Galilee and to Manifest his Divine 

Power. 

Matt, ix, 37— 38 ; xiii. 54—58,- x. 1— 14, 40— 42 ; xiv. 6— 36 ; Mark vi. 7— 5(5 ; Lu. ix,l— 17; 

John vi. 1—71. 

1. Cure of the two blind men. Matt. ix. 27—31. What is implied 
here and elsewhere by the title, " Son of David," as applied to Jesus? 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 29 

2. A dumb man under the dominion of an evil spirit dispossessed, and 
his speech restored. Effect on the people; on the Pharisees. 32 — 34. 

3. Jesus revisits Nazareth, and teaches in the synagogue. Astonish- 
ment and questionings of the inhabitants. What is implied in their utter- 
ances ? The effect of the state of their minds on the work of Jesus. Mark 
vi. 1, 6; Matt. xiii. 54—58. 

4. Jesus, in his travels, is greatly affected at the condition and wants of 
the masses of the people. Laments the fewness of workers. Matt. ix. 35 — 
38; Lu. X. 2. 

5. The apostles sent on their first mission, and their directions. Matt. x. 
1—14; Mark vi. 7—11; Lu. ix. 1—5. (a) To whom sent. Matt. x. 5, 6. (b) 
Their message. 7. (c) Their work, land 8. (d) Provision for their journey. 
9, 10. (e) Support among the people, and what they have a right to expect, 
(f) Rule in case of rejection. 

6. What is implied in the acceptance or rejection of Christ's ambassa- 
dors? Matt, X. 40; Lu. ix. 16. A reward for any service, however simple, if 
rendered in the name of Jesus. Matt. x. 41, 42. 

7. The apostles depart to do the work assigned them. Jesus, also, goes 
on witli his own work. Mark vi. 12; Matt. xi. 1. 

8. John the Baptist put to death by Herod Antipas, at the instigation 
of Herod ias. The festival; the dance; Herod's rash oath; the atrocious and 
unexpected demand; the judicial murder; the action of John's disciples. 
Mark vi. 21—28; Matt. xiv. 6—12. 

9. Herod alarmed at the fame of Jesus. His fear and perplexity as he 
remembers his flagrant guilt concerning John. Mark vi. 14 — 16. (Also, 
Matt, and Luke.) 

10. Return and report of the apostles. They retire to recuperate at a 
distance from the throngs coming and going. But the multitude still eagerly 
following, Jesus, in his compassion for them, continues his instruction. Mark 
vi. 30 — 34; Lu. ix. 10, 11; Jno. vi. 1 — 9. Another reason why Jesus deemed 
it advisable to leave the more central parts of Galilee. Matt. xiv. 13, 14. 

11. Miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Give the particulars. 
How did the fragments remaining at the close of the meal compare with the 
original amount? Mark vi. 35—44; Matt. xiv. 15 — 21; Lu. ix. 12—17; Jno. 
vi. 5—13. 

12. Effect of this miracle on the people, and their disposition towards 
Jesus. How did he act ? Jno. vi. 15. 

13. The disciples, leaving Jesus to dismiss the multitudes, embark to cross 
the sea, and are troubled with a rough wind. Jesus, after spending a part of 
the night in prayer, comes to them, walking on the water. Their fright. 
He allays it. Peter's impulsive request granted. His failure and rescue. 
Jesus enters the ship, and the storm ceases. Amazement of the disciples. 
Matt. xiv. 22—31; Mark vi. 45—56; Jno. vi. 15—21. 

14. Arrival in Gennesaret, and miraculous work there. Matt. xiv. 34 — 
36; Mark vi. 53 — 56. Return to Capernaum, and the people follow and seek 
him. Jno. vi. 22—24. 

15.' His discourse. 25 — 65. Give some of the principal points of this 
conversation. 



30 BIBLE STUDY. 

16. Some of the disciples witlidrawing on account of the smallness of 
their faith, he asks the Twelve whether they will also leave him. The reply 
of Peter. Christ's prediction of the treachery of one of them. 66—71. 



XVI. 

Beginning of the Third Year of Christ's Public Ministry.— 
Continues his Labors in Galilee.— The Pharisaic Party still 
Watch, Cavil and Plot to Entangle Him. — Begins gradually 
to Unfold to his Immediate Disciples what the Tragical 
Outcome of his Mission will be. 

John vii. 1. Mark vii. and viii. Matt. xv. and xvi. Lu. xii. 54—57 ; ix. 18—37. 

1. On account of the animosity of the Jews, Jesus does not go up as 
usual to the Passover at Jerusalem. Jno. vii. 1. Pharisees and scribes come 
from Jerusalem to watch him. They find fault with the disciples for not 
observing the traditional washings. What were some of these ? Mark vii. 
1—5; Matt. xv. 1, 2. 

2. Jesus rebukes this undue stress on mere outward forms, and so little 
on inward purity; and this scrupulousness towards human traditions, while 
neglecting divine injunctions. Instances. Mark vii. 6 — 18; Matt. xv. 8 — 6. 
The real source of defilement. Mark vii. 14, 15; Matt. xv. 10, 11. 

3. The Pharisees offended. Jesus' remarks thereat. 12 — 14. The 
matter further explained to the disciples. 15 — 20; Mark vii. 17 — 28. 

4. Jesus going to the border of Phoenicia to seek retirement, is eagerlj" 
sought by a Gentile woman, who beseeches him to relieve her afilicted daugli- 
ter. Jesus intimates that his work is among the Israelites. But this only 
emphasises her faith and humble devotion. This faith honored, and her 
child healed. Matt. xv. 21—28; Mark vii. 24—30. 

5. Returning near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus cures a deaf man with an 
impediment in his speech. The charge not to publish it. The charge dis- 
regarded. Mark vii. 31 — 37. 

6. Great numbers resort to Jesus to be healed. Four thousand mirac- 
ulously fed. He recrosses the sea. Matt. xv. 30 — 38; Mark viii. 1 — 10. 

7. The caviling Pharisees demand a sign in the heavens. He refuses 
the sign, and shows them their insincerity and inconsistency. Matt. xvi. 
1—4; Mark viii. 11, 12; Lu. xii. 54—57. 

8. The disciples, in returning, forget to take bread. Thc}^ are cautioned 
concerning the leaven of the Pharisees, etc. They misunderstand, and arc 
rebuked for the spiritual dullness. The explanation. Matt. xvi. 5 — 12; ]\Iark 
viii. 13—21. 

9. Cure of the blind man at Bethsaida. Method of the restoration. 
Gradual restoration. Mark viii. 22—26. 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 31 

10. In the neighborhood of Csesarea-Philippi. Where was this ? Inquiry 
as to the popular opinion concerning Christ. Re])ly of the disciples. In- 
quiry as to their own belief. Peter's declaration. Christ's approval and grand 
announcement. Silence enjoined for the present concerning their faith in 
his Messiahship. Matt. xvi. 13—20; Mark viii. 27—80; Lu. ix. 18—21. 

11. Jesus begins to show his disciples what must be the issue of his 
earthly mission. Matt. xvi. 21; Mark viii. 31, 32; Lu. xvii. 22. 

12. Peter's ardent remonstrance. Jesus rebukes him for his worldly 
conceptions. Matt. xvi. 22, 23; ^Mark viii. 32, 33. 

18. The great condition of Christian discipleship. Loss and gain of 
soul and hfe. The great problem; Matt, xvi 24—26; Mark. viii. 34— 36; 
Lu. ix. 23—25. 

14. Confessing and denying Christ. His coming kingdom and judg- 
ment. Matt. xvi. 27, 28; Mark viii. 38; Lu. ix. 26, 27, and xii. 8. 



XVII 

The Transfiguration.— Instructions to the Disciples.— Sending 
Out of the Seventy. 

Matt, xvii,; xviii. 2—35 ; x. 23—26. Mark ix. 2—50. Lu. ix,28— 56 ; x. 1—11. Jno. vii. 

2—10. 

1. The Transfiguratiox. Matt. xvii. 1—8; Mark ix. 2 — 8; Lu. ix. 28 
— 30. (a) The three special friends of Jesus chosen to accompany him to 
the mountain, (b) Jesus at prayer, and the sudden strange radiance of his 
countenance, and the brilliant appearance of his raiment, (c) The manifes- 
tation of Moses and Elias conversing with Jesus, (d) Kffect on the disciples. 
Peter's wish, (e) The bright cloud and the supernatural voice. 

2. The disciples charged not to divulge the vision till after Christ's res- 
urrection. The questioning as to the meaning of this resurrection. Matt, 
xvii. 9; Mark ix. 9, 10; Lu. ix 30. 

3. Inquiry concerning the prophecy of Elias' coming. Where is this 
prophecy? How does Jesus explain it? He again instructs them that his 
life will end in persecution and violence. Matt. xvii. 10 — 13; Mark ix. 11 — 18. 

4. Cure of the demoniac, wdiose case was too obdurate for the disciples. 
Characteristics of this possession. Terrible convulsions at the exorcism. 
]Mark ix. 14 — 27; Matt. xvii. and Lu. ix. 

5. The disciples inquire concerning their inability to effect this cure. 
The Lord's reply, and mild rebuke. Mark ix. 28, 29. What illustration is 
given of the power of faith ? Matt. xvii. 20; Lu. xvii. 5, 6. 

6. .Icsus, for the present, avoids public notice, and privately instructs 
his disciples. He still urges upon their reluctant minds the facts of his 
coming sufferings and sacrifice and subsequent triumph. Mark ix. 30— 32. 
Matt. xvii. '^2, 23; Lu. ix. 43—45 



32 BIBLE STUDY. 

7. Return to Capernaum. The tribute money, and the coin in the fish's 
mouth. Matt, xvii. 24—27. 

8. Dispute among the disciples about precedence in the coming king- 
dom. Why were they silent when Jesus questioned them? What did he 
say? Mark ix. 33-35; Lu. ix. 46, 47. 

9. Illustration of the nature of conversion. What are the qualities 
essential to Christian discipleship ? What further is said concerning the re- 
lation of childlike character to himself? Markix. 36, 37; Matt, xviii. 2—5. 
Lu. ix. 46—50. 

10. How are we to regard persons doing good, but who are not full be- 
lievers, or are possibly unbelievers ? Mark ix. 38, 39; Lu. ix. 49, 50. 

11. The guilt and doom of those who make others to fall. The grace 
of God in the soul like salt in its conserving power. Mark ix. 42 — 50. 

12. Caution against thinking lightly of the humblest of Christ's real 
followers. Matt, xviii. 10. 

13. How to act in case of a difficulty with a Christian brother. Power 
and authority of the Christian body. Power of united faith. 15—20. 

14. Forbearance, charity, repeated forgiveness to an offending brother. 
Parable of the servant whose great debt was forgiven, but who forgave not 
the most trilling debt of a fellow-servant. What is the application ? 21 — 35. 

15. Jesus appoints and commissions seventy additional disciples for 
evangelistic work. Instructions to them, as also to the apostles. Lu. x. 1 — 11. 
Matt x. 23—26. 

16. Jesus urged by some to go to Jerusalem to the Feast of Tabernacles. 
Their professed reasons. His reasons for not going immediately. He after- 
wards goes up privately. Jno. vii. 2—10. 

17. The journey through Samaria. Inhospitality of the people. Indig- 
nation of James and John. The rebuke. Lu. ix. 51 — 56. 

18. Healing of the ten lepers. What direction was given, and the result ? 
Thoughtful gratitude of one, and the unappreciativeness of the others. 
What made it more singular in the case of this one ? Lu. xvii. 11 — 19. 



XIX. 

Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles.— The Pharisees Dispute 
with Him.— His Discourses and Works. 

John vii. 11—53 ; viii.; Matt. xi. 25-30 ; Lu . x. 17—42 ; xi. 5—8. 

1. The people inquire for Jesus at the feast, and discuss his character. 
His arrival among them. He teaches in the Temple, and the people wonder 
at his ability, as he had not been a scholar in any of the great schools. Jno. 
vii. 11—15. 

2. J(3sus, answering their thought, assures them that he receives his doc- 
trine from God. 16. Lays down the grand, simple, comprehensive method 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 33 

by which all essential, saving truth may be ascertained by each man for him- 
self. 17. Consider its full meaning. 

3. Difference between the man who speaks in his own name and him 
who speaks in God's name. 18. Men not made righteous by the law. Why? 
Reproaches the leaders with the intent to put him to death. 19, 

4. They accuse him of having a devil, and deny their intent. He 
shows their inconsistency. 20 — 26. 

5. His boldness and ready mastery of his foes excites anew the wonder 
of the people, who also wonder that the leaders do not carry out their hostile 
purpose. They stifle the conviction that this is the Messiah, by a popular 
fallacy. 25—27. 

6. Their cavils answered. Their convictions shown to be strong 
enough. The desire to put him to death still thwarted by fear. The Phar- 
isees, alarmed at the inclination of the people towards him, attempt and 
again fail to cause his arrest. 28 — 32. 

7. The Jews puzzled at his discourse of his personal presence and his 
future going away. 33 — 36. 

8. He is declared as the source and inspiration of life to believers. 
37—39. How does he put this thought elsewhere ? Matt. xi. 28—30. 

9. Deepening conviction, opposition and dispute. Jno. vii. 40 — 44. 
Singular report of officers sent to arrest him. Ill-natured rebuke of the 
council. Protest of Nicodemus. Persistence of the opposition, which is 
still futile. 45—53. 

10. A night out of the city. Return to the Temple. The adulterous 
woman. Jesus' marvelous judgment, and the discomfiture of the accusers. 
viii. 1—11. 

11. Continued discourse. " The Light of the world." Dispute of the 
Pharisees, as to his record and testimony, and Jesus' reply. Intimate divine 
relationship. The Pharisees ignorant because of the state of their hearts. 
12 — 20. Their great destroying sin. Replies to their oft- repeated question 
who he is, by referring to his previous answer and to his mission from the 
Father. "Lifted up " and thus revealed. Perpetual acceptance with the 
Father. 21—29. 

12. Freedom by the truth, and truth through obedience. The Jewish 
claim of freedom as a birthright refuted. The only genuine freedom. In- 
consistency of claiming righteousness through descent from Abraham, and 
then seeking to murder him who was speaking the truth in Abraham's spirit. 
The children of Satan rather than Abraham. 30 — 45. 

13. Challenges proof of any wrong in himself. Accused of being a Samar- 
itan and a demoniac. He calmly denies this. Startles them by announcing 
that those who obey him shall never see death. Jews ask, Was he greater than 
Abraham ? He refers to the honor which the Father puts upon him. 46 — 55. 

14. Jesus declares his antecedence and consequent superiority to Abra- 
ham. The rage of the zealots impel them to stone him, but he passes out 
unharmed. 56—59. 

15. Return and report of the seventy. The true ground of rejoicing, 
Lu. X. 17 — 20. Thanks that the simple may understand that at which the 
wise stumble. 21,22; Matt. xi. 25— 27. 

5 



34 BIBLE STUDY. 

16. The lawyer's question and the answer. "Who is my neighbor ? " 
Parable cf the man falling among thieves. Lu. x. 25 — 37. 

17. Visit to Mary and Martha. Characteristics of the sisters. Jesus' 
discrimination. 38 — 42. 

18. Importunacy in prayer illustrated. Lu. xi. 5—8. 



XIX. 

Continued Teaching at Jerusalem.— Extraordinary Miracles. 
Increasing Bitterness of the Pharisaic Party. 

The careful observer can hardly fail to see that, as Jesus approaches the 
end of liis earthly career, his discourses become more profoundly spiritual. 
It is to the period with which we are now dealing that most of the extended 
discourses in John's Gospel are to be referred. That these, together with 
the startling miracles of this period, greatly affected the masses of the people 
and tended to draw them to him, is evinced not only by the record but also 
by the fact that the growing malignity of the Pharisees and their extraordi- 
nary efforts to destroy his popularity barely succeeded, notwithstanding the 
powerful influence which they had, and the machinery at their command. 
We are now in the last six months of Christ's public ministry. The time 
occupied in the present study extends from November to January of our 
time. Most of this was spent in Jerusalem and the vicinity, though there 
appear to have been two excursions to the neighborhood of the Jordan and 
to the country beyond. Some of his most remarkable miracles were now 
performed right here at Jerusalem, and in the most public manner possible, 
so that there was no disputing them except by resort to the most shallow 
sophistry. Indeed, in spite of the powerful partisan and malicious motives 
to the contrary, there appears to have been an almost universal belief, even 
among the priests and scribes and Pharisees, that the miracles performed by 
Jesus were genuine. The force of these could only be broken or minified 
by the pretense that they were wrought by diabolical rather than divine power. 
Yet this opinion could have had but little weight among the people, as the 
prevalent doctrine did not allow of such a supposition. Accordingly, we see 
that the most desperate measures were necessary, in order to prevail against 
Jesus. Even these would have doubtless been unavailable, but for the fact 
that it was our Lord's purpose to lay down Ms life, in execution of his grand 
scheme of redemption. 

John ix.; x.; xi. 1—54 ; Mark x. 1 ; Matt. xix. 1, 2. 

1. Cure of the man blind from his birth. Jno. ix. 1 — 7. Astxmishment 
and questionings of the people. Statement of the man. 8 — 12. 

2. The man brought to the Pharisees, who examine him closely. The 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. dO 

simple story of the cure. The enemies of Jesus, having no other ground of 
fault, denounce the deed because done on the Sabbath. The common sense 
of the people revolts from the notion that such a deed can be sinful. 13—16. 
The malignants ask the opinion of the cured man, but immediately reject it 
and pretend to suspect him of imposture. They inquire of his parents who 
confirm the story of his congenital blindness, but warily refrain from ex- 
pressing an opinion. 17—23. 

3. The man being exhorted to reject his deliverer, makes a memorable 
answer. 24, 25. Questioned again, he answers somewhat sharply. Vexed 
that they can find no ground of accusation, they use invective, to which he 
replies with keen sarcasm. They reproach him, and expel him from the 
synagogue. 26 — 34. 

4. Jesus finds him. He becomes spiritually as well as physically healed. 
35—38. The Pharisees rebuked and condemned. 39 — 41. 

5. Parable of the shepherd and sheep. Jesus both a shepherd and a 
door to his flock, x. 1 — 5. Explanation. 6 — 9. Difference between real 
and false leaders and guides. The love of Christ for his people evinced by 
his giving his life for them, thus again showing his divine character and re- 
lationship. 10 — 15. 

6. He desires to save all, and for this voluntarily suffers death, having 
so covenanted with the Father. The people divided; some malign, others 
favor him. 16 — 21 . 

7. Some proof, which shall compel belief, demanded. He refers to 
his works as suificient evidence, and rebukes the moral perversity which 
rejects it. 22 — 26. Where and when was this ? Does God compel religious 
faith? 

8. Reverts to the sheep and shepherd. Christ's infinite saving power. 
The same as that of the Father, with whom he claims to be one. 28 — 30. 

9. The Jews, astonished and enraged at his words, threaten to stone 
him. He calmly reasons with them, and appeals to his works, which, by 
their own doctrine, could only be wrought by the power of God, and which no 
bad man could do. Confounded by his unanswerable words they seek to ar- 
rest him, but are not able. 31—39. 

10. The difference between him and John the Baptist. 40 — 42. 

11. Sickness of Lazarus announced. Relation of Jesus to the family. 
How he regarded this sickness. His delay, xi. 1—6. 

12. Return to Judea. Conversation by the way. Announcement con- 
cerning Lazarus misunderstood, and explained. Special design in the cir- 
cumstances, the end of which will be the increase of the disciples' faith. 
7—15. 

13. Arrival at Bethany. Distance from Jerusalem ? Mourning and 
sympathy. Martha's partial faith. Jesus' assurance of Lazarus' restoration 
referred by her to the general resurrection. Grand announcement of Christ's 
relation to the resurrection. 17 — 28. 

14. Mary meets Jesus. Resort to the grave. The Jews sympathize but 
question. The command of Jesus, and astonishment of Martha. Jesus 
prays. Lazarus called, and comes forth from the tomb. 29 — 44. 

15. Some Jews convinced by this astounding event. Others report to 



36 BIBLE STUDY. 

the Pharisees. Their consternation. Uuconscious prophecy of the High 
Priest. 42—52. 

16. The still more settled purpose to effect Christ's death. His with- 
drawal to another place. 53 — 54. What effect does more than sufficient evi- 
dence liavc on those that reject that ? Goes beyond Jordan, and again 
teaches the multitudes who gather to him there. Mark xli.; Matt. xix. 1, 2. 



XX. 

Traveling and Laboring in the Country North-East of Jerusa- 
lem and on the East of the Jordan.— Parables and Miracles. 

Luke xiii. 10— 33 ; xiv.; xv.; xvi.; xvii.20,21. Matt. vii. 13, 14 ; xxii.5— 14; xviii.U— 14. 

1. The woman afflicted eighteen years healed on the Sabbath. The 
synagogue ruler indignant at this profanation of the day. Discomfited 
by Jesus' reply. Lu. xiii. 10 — 17. 

2 . Disciples' inquiry concerning the number of the saved. They are ad- 
vised that it is a more important question to determine their own salvation. 
A mere profession not enough to save a man. Desperate condition of those 
who have only this to plead. 22 — 27; Matt. vii. 13, 14. 

3. Descent from the patriarchs gives the Jews no claim to the kingdom 
of God. May be excluded for unbelief, while Gentiles are admitted through 
faith. Lu. xiii. 28—30. 

4. The Pharisees attempt to intimidate him, by showing Herod's hos- 
tility. His reply. 31—33. 

5. Enemies watch his action in respect to a case of healing on the Sab- 
bath, He asks a question which they dare not answer. The cure performed, 
xiv. 1—6. 

6. Parable of guests at supper, and the assumption of positions of 
honor. Propriety of humility in self -estimation. Givers of feasts exhorted 
to invite the poor instead of the rich. A more unmistakable and genuine 
hospitality. 7 — 14. 

7. Parable of the Wedding Supper. Invitation to men universally to 
partake of the provisions of grace. Matt. xxii. 1 — 4; Lu. xiv. 16, 17. Ex- 
cuses made and the rejection by those to whom the invitation primarily 
comes. These often perish while the despised and outcast are brought in. 
The Jews, and the highly-favored in Christian lands, in the former class. 
Matt. xxii. 5—10; Lu. xiv. 18—23. 

8. The guest without the wedding-garment. Matt.xxii.il — 14. What 
does it symbolize ? 

9. The multitude instructed that Christian discipleship implies sacrifices 
and self-denial. They are exhorted to count the whole cost before pledging 
themselves to him. Does this apply now as well as then ? Lu. xiv. 25—33. 

10. Jesus' association with the wicked and despised people censured. 
Lu. XV. 1, 2. What utterance of his, elsewhere, explains this ? Lu. xix. 10. 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 37 

Matt, xviii. 11. Further illustrated by parables, (a) The rejoicing of the 
finding of tlie lost sheep, (b) The lost piece of silver. Lu. xv. 3—10; Matt. 
xviii. 12—14. 

11. Parable of the Prodigal Son. Much greater joy over the return of 
a lost soul, than over those who have not apostatized. Give the story, and 
show its application. Lu. xv. 11 — 32. 

12. Parable of the dishonest steward. We may make such use of those 
temporal advantages which are a snare to selfish and worldly men as to make 
them of great spiritual advantage. Lu. xvi. 1 — 9. 

13. Faithfulness in temporal things essential to spiritual excellence. 
Singleness of purpose necessary. 10 — 13. 

14. Covetous Pharisees offended at his discourse. Parable of the Rich 
Man and Lazarus. The best conditioned in this world often totally unpre- 
pared for eternity ; while those who are destitute here, may be abundantly 
provided for there, through faith and faithfulness. Permanency of the fu- 
ture state. 14 — 26. 

15. Extraordinary and astonishing evidence of no value to those who 
already are convinced by the ordinary means. 27 — 31. 

16. The kingdom of God not outward and temporal, but inward and 
spiritual. Lu. xvii. 20, 21. 



XXI. 
His Labors in Perea, and Between the Jordan and Jerusalem, 

Luke xviii.; xvii. 7— 10; xix. 3— 3T. Matt. xix. 3— 39; xx.; xxv. 14— 30; xxvi. 6—13. 
Mark x.; xiv. 3—8. John xi, 55—57 ; xii. 1—8. 

1. Parable of the unjust magistrate and the widow. Value of persist- 
ent prayer. Lu. xviii. 1 — 8. 

2. Parable of the Pharisee and the publican at prayer. Self -righteous- 
ness and genuine humility contrasted. 9 — 14. 

3. The Pharisees still ply him with questions intended to embarrass. 
The subject of divorce. His clear statement of the true doctrine. A defi- 
nite moral rule. The sacredness of marriage, and the sin of its violation. 
Matt. xix. 3—9; Markx. 2—12. 

4. Disciples dejected at the severity of the doctrine. Jesus' reply. 
Matt. xix. 10—12. 

5. Blessing little children. Objection of the disciples. He rebukes 
them and receives the children. Mark x. 12, 13; Matt. xix. 13 — 15; Lu. 
xviii. 15—17. 

6. How to be saved. Conversation with the rich young ruler. Mark 
x. 17—22; Matt. xix. 16—22; Lu. xviii. 18—24. (a) The earnest inquiry, 
(b) Direction to observe the commandments, (c) Profession of entire legal 
obedience, (d) "One thing thou lackest." Inordinate love of wealth 
must be crucified, (e) Mortification and sorrow at the discovery. 

7. Jesus' view of the perilous character of the love of wealth. The 



38 BIBLE STUDY. 

disciples astonished. The principle enforced by a striking simile. The dis- 
ciples reassured. Mark x. 23—27; Matt. xix. 23—26; Lu. xviii. 24—27. . 

8. Peter's profession, and Christ's reply. The vast compensations. 
Matt. xix. 27—29. (Also, Mark and Luke.) 

9. Parable of the servant's relation to the master. Man's obedience 
not meritorious. Lu. xvii. 7 — 10. 

10. F^arable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. The laborers of an hour 
receive the same as the toilers of a day. God's bestowment not according 
to merit, as we merit nothing; but on other grounds. Matt. xx. 1 — 18. 

11. On the way towards Jerusalem. Feeling of fear and dread falling 
upon the disciples. Jesus again instructs them concerning his coming arrest, 
prosecution, maltreatment and death. Their slowness to apprehend the case. 
Mark x. 32—34; Matt. xx. 17—19; Lu. xviii. 31—34. 

12. Ambitious request of James and John, through their mother. Mis- 
apprehension of the nature of Christ's kingdom. Jesus' remonstrance and 
mild rebuke. Matt. xx. 20—23; Mark x. 35—40. 

13. Jealousy of the other disciples. Reproof and instruction of the 
Master. Matt. xx. 24—28; Mark x. 41—45. 

14. Healing of Bartimeus and another of their blindness. Where was 
this ? The multitude rebuke the afflicted as they cry for lielp. But Jesus 
invites them to him, and makes them whole. Mark x 46 — 52; Matt. xx. 
29—34; Lu. xviii. 35—43. 

15. The story of Zaccheus. Lu. xix. 2—9. (a) What was Zaccheus' 
office ? Was it a popular one ? Why ? (b) His eagerness to see Jesus, and 
his device, (c) The Saviour's recognition of his sincerity, and the honor 
bestowed on him. (d) Zaccheus' practical penitence and proposed righteous- 
ness, (e) His acceptance by Christ. 

16. Parable of the Talents. Our responsibility in proportion to our 
abilities. Doom of unfaithful servants. 11 — 27; Matt. xxv. 14 -30. 

17. The enemies of Jesus inquire about his coming to the Passover. 
Jno. xi. 55 — 57. Their malevolent purpose. 

18. The anointing with the precious ointment, (a) The feast the host 
and 1 he guests, (h) Mary's costly offering, (c) The censure of the expensi ve- 
ness of the offering. Who made this objection ? Was there a reason ? (li) 
Mary justified by the Master. The action anticipatory of his near decease. 
.Inc. xii. 1 — 8; Matt. xxvi. 6 — 13; Mark xiv. 2 — 8. What prediction con- 
cerning this act of Mary's is still being fulfilled ? 



XXII. 

Christ's Public Entry into Jerusalem in Fulfillment of Messi- 
anic Prophecy, and Subsequent Events. 

We now come to the last week of Christ's public ministry. It was a 
week voluminous in the number and weight of the incidents which belong 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 39 

to it. In the record are found some of the most remarkable instances of the 
utter discomfiture and humiliation of his foes by the ready replies of Jesus 
to their most skillfully devised and ingeniously complicated questions. So 
complete was this defeat, even in the estimation of the populace, that the 
most ordinary worldly prudence might have turned it into a permanent 
triumph, and have made Jesus the enthroned leader of the people to the utter 
overthrow of the power of the Pharisaic and priestly party. It was the very 
event which this party had wrought so desperately and unscrupulously to 
prevent,— a position which Jesus, at the moment when it was within his easy 
reach, resolutely but calmly declined to accept; since he had come forth, not 
for the purpose of worldly dominion and triumph, but to die a cruel and ig- 
nominious death. He had "power to lay down his life," and this power, 
instead of the other, he accepted and exercised. 

This was the period, too, of several of those most powerful and marvel- 
ous discourses of Christ, chiefly to his disciples, recorded in the last part of 
Matthew's and John's Gospels. 

The week began with the Sunday before the Passover, commemorated 
since by the Christian Church as "Palm Sunday." Jesus had been journey- 
ing from the Jordan with his disciples, and had just arrived in the vicinity of 
.lerusalem when he made preparation for this prophetically predicted public 
eutry, as the Messiah, — the anointed Prince of Israel, of David's line, — into 
ihe capital city of his nation. It was the only public official demonstration 
that he made. And what a strange demonstration it was ! It was one of min- 
gled grandeur and simplicity, of exulting triumph and genuine humility. 
There was no military display, no magnificent civic procession, no chariots or 
l)orsemen, no even moderate elaborate previous preparation. Simply himself, 
in his ordinary garb, surrounded by his few humble companions, who, in- 
stead of more gaudy trappings, had spread their outer garments upon the 
young ass on which the Master rode. But the progress and the entry were 
triumphant, nevertheless. The multitude, moved as by one mighty impulse, 
hailed him with hosannas as David's royal heir, divinely designated, and 
coming to assume his throne. Nor was Jesus for a moment deceived by 
this universal popular acclamation. He knew that, ere the week would 
end, all this enthusiasm would cease; that a disastrous revulsion would 
come; and that the same lips that now shouted, "Hosanna," would cry: 
"Away with him ! Crucify him !" Nevertheless, it became him tJius to 
present himself to his nation, and to enter in this kingly way into the sacred 
city. 

Matt, xxi.; xxii. 15— 46. Mark xi.; xii. Lu. xix. 29— 48 ; xx. John xii. 13— 19. 
1. The preparation for the official entry. Matt. xx. 1 — 9; Maik xi. 1 
— 10; Lu. xix. 29 — 38; Jno. xii. 12 — 18. (a) The two disciples sent to secure 
the young ass. (b) They find it according to the prediction, and, havi rg 
explained to the owner what was waated, bring it to Jesus, (c) He rides 
upon the beast, with no other trappings but the disciples' raiment, (d) The 
prophetic declaration. Where is it found ? (e) Greeting of the people, and 
their joyful acclamations acknowledging him as the Messiah. What event 
had enhanced this enthusiasm ? Was it lasting ? 



40 BIBLE STUDY. 

2. Depression of the Pharisees. Jno. xli. 19. They, with unconcealed 
disgust, ask him to rebuke his friends. His remarkable reply. Lu. xix. 39, 40. 

3. The pathetic lamentation over Jerusalem. Its grand rejected oppor- 
tunity about to cease forever. The appalling consequences. Lu. xix. 41 — 44. 

4. Excitement in the city at Christ's entrance. Inquiry and answer. 
Matt. xxi. 10,11. 

5. Jesus in the Temple. Expulsion again of the traffickers. How 
does his denunciation of their conduct differ from that uttered on the 
former occasion ? 12, 13; Mark xi. 15—17; Lu. xix. 45, 46. (See, also, John 
ii. 16.) 

6. He exercises his healing power upon those who come to him in the 
Temple. Laudation and joy of the people, and even of the children. Dis- 
pleasure of the Pharisees who surlily call his attention to this. The strik- 
ing reply. Matt. xxi. 14 — 16. 

7. Lodging at Bethany on Sunday night, he returns in the morning to 
Jerusalem. The Barren Fig-Tree cursed. The moral and spiritual lesson 
implied. 17—19. 

8. Teaches in the Temple. Eagerness of the people to hear him, and 
the growing malice of the Pharisees seeking for pretexts to destroy him. 
Lu. xix. 47, 48; also, xxi. 37, 38. 

9. Tuesday morning, returning from Bethany, the disciples marvel at 
what had befallen the fig-tree. Jesus makes it the occasion of teaching the 
power of real faith. Matt. xxi. 20, 22; Mark xi. 20—24. 

10. The Pharisees demanding of him the authority for his assumptions, 
Jesus, in turn, demands of them their opinion concerning John's mission. 
Their painful dilemma, and humiliating and cowardly answer. Matt. xxi. 
23—27; Mark xi. 27—33; Lu. xx. 1—8. 

11. Parable of the two sons. Obedience better than profession. Ap- 
plied to self-righteous Pharisees, and penitent publicans and harlots. Also, 
of universal application; Matt. xxi. 28 — 32. 

12. Parable of the murderous tenaut husbandmen. The atrocious guilt 
and final rejection of the Jewish church. Matt. xxi. 33 — 41; Mark xii. 1 — 9. 
Lu. XX. 9—16. 

13. The rejected stone. Anger of the Pharisees at the application of 
these parables. Their plotting still baffled. Matt. xxi. 42 — 46; Mark xii. 
10—12. 

14. The Pharisees unite with the Herodian party in an attempt by hypo- 
critical words to entrap him into some dangerous statement. The question 
of the lawfulness of the Roman tax. Their easy and palpable discomfiture. 
Matt. xxii. 15, 22; Mark xii. 13—17; Lu. xx. 20—26. 

15. The Sadducees attempt to puzzle him with a question pertaining to 
the future state. He rebukes their ignorance of spiritual things, and asserts, 
and briefly cites authority for, the doctrine of the resurrection. Matt. xxii. 
22—32; also, Mark and Luke. Verdict of both people and scribes. 33; Lu. 
XX. 39. 

16. A scribe and lawyer sent with the device of drawing him out to 
make invidious distinctions between the precepts of the Decalogue. Dis- 
comfiture of the questioner, Mark xii. 28 — 34; Matt, xxii, 34—40. 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 41 

17. Jesus, in turn, confounds the Pharisees by questioning them as to 
the descent of the Messiah from David, who yet calls him Lord. The effect 
on the people. Matt. xxii. 41—46; Mark xii. 34—37; Lu. xx. 41—44. 



XXIII. 



Conclusion of the Last Day of Christ's Public Ministry.— Pro- 
phetic Discourses and Conversations. 

Matt, xxiii.; xxiv. ; xxv. 1— 13, 31— 46 ; xxvi. 1— 16. Mark xii. 38— 44 ; xiii. 1, 2; xiv. 
1, 2. Luke XX. 45—47 ; xiii. 34, 35 ; xxi. 1—6 ; xxii. 1—6. 

1. His indignant exposure of the character of the Jewish religious lead- 
ers. Matt, xxiii. 1—36; Mark xii. 38—40; Lu. xx. 45—47. (a) Ostentatious 
in their religion. Matt, xxiii. 1—6. (b) Eager for popular approbation, con- 
trary to the spirit of true religion. 7—12. (c) Hypocritical in their prayers 
and proselytism. 13 — 15. (d) Corrupt in their teachings, making fanciful 
distinctions where none exists. 16 — 23. (e) Their religion outward. Par- 
ticular to practice the cheap virtues, but disregarding the more costly. 23 
— 28. (f) Worshipers of the past; building monuments to the memory of 
those whom they themselves would have slain. 29 — 32. (g) Deadly and 
poisonous in their influence. Wicked and cruel towards the divine messen- 
gers. 33—39. 

2. Lamentation over Jerusalem, on account of the sins of its leaders. 
37—39; Lu. xiii. 34, 35. 

3. The small contribution of the poor widow. Such offerings more 
valuable, in God's sight, than the treasures of the rich. Mark xii. 41 — 44; 
Lu. xxi. 1 — 4. 

4. Greek proselytes ask an introduction to Jesus. He shows them that 
there is no worldly advantage to be expected by accepting him. The spirit- 
ual benefit great and glorious, must come, if at all, through his own death 
and the self-renunciation of his followers. Jno. xii. 20 — 26. 

5. Jesus, oppressed in spirit, cries out in prayer. The heavenly voice, 
and the effect on the people. 27 — 30. 

6. The great crisis at hand. Christ to be lifted up, in order that he 
may draw all men to him. Questionings of the people as to his meaning. 
Jesus' parting exhortation to accept him as the Light of the world, lest they 
stumble. 31—36. 

7. The close of his public teaching, and his final withdrawal from the 
Temple. Rejected of his own people. Fulfillment of prophecy. 36 — 41. 

8. He reproves the moral timidity of those chief men who were con- 
vinced of his real character, but were afraid to acknowledge him. In reject- 
ing him, they denied God, loving the praise of men instead. 42 — 50. 

9. He retires with his disciples. They call his attention to the magnifi- 
cent architecture of the Temple, and its splended adornments. He predicts 
the utter overthrow of all these. Matt. xxiv. 1,2; Mark xiii. 1,2; Lu. xxi. 5, 6. 

10. The threefold inquiry of the disciples as he sat down with them on 
6 



42 BIBLE STUDY. 

the Mount of Olives. He enjoins upon them sobriety of judgment. Ru- 
mors of extraordinary events, great excitements and fierce wars, not necessa- 
rily precursors of the final catastrophe. Matt. xxiv. 3 — 8. 

11. Fierce persecutions to befall his followers, and they are to be hated 
even to death. In these, many will lose faith and apostatize. Endurance 
and salvation. 9^13. 

12. General spread of the gospel, before the final destruction of Jerusa- 
lem. The awful calamities attending this destruction. Christians, warned 
by indications which he now suggests, to flee from the city. 14 — 32. 

13. They are not to be imposed upon by rumors of extraordinary occur- 
rences and of Christ's reappearance. Attempted deception. When Christ 
comes, his coming will be palpable to all. 23 — 28. 

14. Second advent described. Natural signs of its proximity. The 
time unknown to all men and angels. The event analogous to that of the 
Flood. Duty of watchfulness. 36 — 51. 

15. Parable of the Ten Virgins. Necessity of perpetual vigilance, xxv. 
1 —13. Same thought illustrated by parable of servants waiting for their 
Master. Lu. xii. 36—38. 

16. Illustration of the character of the General Judgment. Separation 
of the good and the bad. The principles which determine this separation 
and destiny. Eternal reward and punishment. Matt. xxv. 31 — 46. 

17. The disciples reminded that the Passover is at hand, and that it is 
to be accompanied by his own betrayal. Matt. xxvi. 1, 2; Mark xiv. 1; Lu. 
xxii. 1. 

18. Priests and scribes plot for his arrest, but are fearful of taking any 
open action. Judas yields to the temptation of Satan, and offers, for a sum 
of money, to betray the Lord. They eagerly accept his proposition. Matt, 
xxvi. 3—16; Mark xiv. 1, 2, and 10, 11; Lu. xxii. 2—6; Jno, xiii. 3. 



XXIV. 

The Passover Feast.— Conversation and Discourse,— Institu- 
tion of the Lord's Supper.— The Betrayal and Arrest. 

After the previous remarkable discourse with his disciples, at the close of 
that last great day of his public ministry, Jesus appears to have retired to 
Bethany, and to have remained in seclusion and solemn silence from Tuesday 
evening till the afternoon of Thursday. That was the day of the preparation 
for the Passover, the great national and religious feast of the Jews, which had 
been observed for nearly fifteen hundred years in commemoration of the de- 
liverance from Egyptian bondage; also in typical anticipation of the immeas- 
urably greater deliverance now about to be achieved by the offering of the 
" Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." It was meet that he, who 
had come to be the infinite paschal victim, slioidd fulfill all righteousness by 
observing to the very last this typical and ceremonial feast, — that up to the 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 43 

very hour when the " eternal victim slain " should be ready for the sacrifice, 
that which had been its foreshadowing and prophecy should be scrupulously 
maintained. 

There is some dispute as to just what time in the day the paschal lamb 
was to be slain; but probably it was between the hour of the eveninir sacrifice 
and sunset of Thursday, —that is, soon after the ninth hour, or about three 
o'clock in the afternoon. The Jewish day began at sunset, and the supper 
lasted till evening. It was to this feast, prepared especially for them in Jeru- 
salem, that Jesus came with his chosen Twelve. Here, in the brief period 
which by the greatness of the events seems almost to have occupied days 
rather than hours, occurred not only the simple ceremonies pertaining to the 
occasion, but also the affectionate, familiar conversation; the calm but start- 
ling announcement of the traitor in their midst; the lesson of humility; the 
prediction of defection in which they would all be involved; the institution 
of a new, solemn and sacred memorial service, to continue till the second ad- 
vent, and which is observed by millions of Christ's followers still; the pro- 
founder discourse with which he comforted and encouraged the hearts of his 
friends, and left on record for all the generations of those who were to be- 
lieve on his name; and the wonderful intercessory prayer. From this feast, 
too, he went out to the appalling agony of the garden, the betrayal, the ar- 
rest, the foretold trial and condemnation. 



Lu. xxii. 7— 54. Matt. xxvi. IT— 56. Mark xiv. 23— 51. Johnxiii.; xiv.; xv.; xvi.; xvii. 

xviii. 1—11. 

1. Peter and John sent to prepare the Passover Feast for Jesus and the 
Twelve. Directions for finding a place. They make the requisite prepara- 
tions. Lu. xxii. 7—13; Matt. xxvi. 17—19; Mark xiv. 12—16. 

2. The feast, and the words of Jesus. Give some account of the char- 
acter and signification of the feast, both in its commemorative and in its 
typical aspects. Lu. xxii. 14 — 17; Matt. xxvi. 20; Mark xiv. 17. 

3. The discussion as to who should be greatest in the new kingdom. 
Lu. xxii. 34. The great, memorable lesson of humility. The washing of the 
disciples' feet, and instruction. Peter's objection. The disposition enjoined 
upon them towards one another. Jno. xiii. 3 — 15. Jesus repeats some former 
words on service, not lordship, as the distinguishing trait of Christian disciple- 
ship. Lu. xxii. 25 — 30. 

4. Jesus, greatly distressed, divulges his knowledge that one of them 
would betray him. Their consternation. The anxious inquiry, the answer, 
and the sign. Jno. xiii, 17 — 26. Judas goes out on his errand, though unsus- 
pected by the others, yet indicated by Jesus. 27 — 30. 

5. Jesus speaks of his departure and his glorification. They still fail 
to apprehend him, and Peter resolutely purposes to follow him even to death. 
Jesus foretells to the astonished disciples his denial of him that very night. 
Jno. xiii. 31 — 38. 

6. The defection of them all predicted. Peter warmly asserts his con- 
stancy, even if all alone. The Lord's further warning, and Peter's emphatic 
reassertion. Matt. xxvi. 31—35; Mark xiv. 27—31; Lu. xxii. 31—34. 



44 BIBLE STUDY. 

7. Modified instructions to the disciples concerning the conduct of their 
future mission. Lu. xxii. 35 — 38. 

8. Institution of the Lord's Supper. Matt. xxvi. 36 — 29; Mark xiv. 
22—25; Lu. xxii. 18—20. 

9. The consequences to them of his going from them. Thomas' ques- 
tion, and Jesus' answer. Philip's request. Christ's union with the Father. 
The resources of real believers. Jno. xiv. 1 — 14. 

10. Effect of loving Christ. His absence implies the presence of the 
Comforter, the Holy Ghost. His peace. His departure and future coming. 
15—31. 

11. Love to Christ the spring of Love. The Vine and the branches. 
Mutual love of Christians. The new commandment. The world's hatred. 
Testimony of the Comforter, xv. 

12. Persecutions, fierce and bitter, foretold. But though he leaves them 
to this bitter experience, they will not be as orphans or comfortless. The 
divine support. The Spirit's office. Christ will return. The interval to 
them. The disciples seem to apprehend him, and express unbounded confi- 
dence; but he sees that, even immediately, their faith will fail. xvi. 

13. The great Intercessory Prayer, (a) For himself, xvii. 1 — 5. (b) For 
the apostles. 6—19. (c) For all believers. 20—26. 

14. The company sing a hymn, — probably the "Great Hallel." (Ps. 
cxv.-^cxviii.) This closes the feast, and they go out toward the Mount of 
Olives. Jno. xviii. 1; Matt. xxvi. 30; Mark xiv. 26; Lu. xxii. 39. 

15. The Agony in Gethsemane. (a) Arrival at the garden. Leaving 
the disciples, except Peter, James and John, (b) The profound and crushing 
sorrow. He goes alone to pray, (c) The cry of intense anguish, yet resolute 
submission, (d) The return to his companions, to find them asleep, (e) He 
goes and prays the second and third time, in the same awful agony. The 
intensity of suffering; the bloody sweat. Exhausted nature succored by the 
ministry of an angel. His return to his still sleeping friends. Matt. xxvi. 
36—44; Mark xiv. 32—40; Lu. xxii. 40—44. 

16. He announces his instant betrayal. The immediate arrival of Judas, 
with a large company, sent by the priestly party to arrest him. Matt. xxvi. 
47; Mark xiv. 43; Lu. xxii. 47; Jno. xviii. 2, 3. 

17. The Betrayal. The traitor's kiss. Christ's gentle but severe re- 
proach. Matt. xxvi. 48 — 50. (See, also, Mark, Luke and John, following 
above.) 

18. Jesus' voluntary presentation of himself to the company. The mar- 
velous effect of his presence and words. Jno. xviii. 4—9. 

19. The disciples disposed to repel the assault. Peter's impulsive attack, 
and the rebuke of Jesus, who also miraculously repairs the mischief done 
by the sword. Matt. xxvi. 51 — 56; Mark xiv. 47; Lu. xxii. 50—54; Jno. xvii. 
10, 11. 

20. Jesus, while yielding himself a prisoner, reproaches the band for 
their manner of arrest. Matt. xxv. 55, 56. (Also, Mark and Luke.) What 
was the probable reason of this nocturnal and strategic method? The dis- 
ciples, terrified and panic-stricken, forsake him and flee. Matt, xxvi, 56; 
Mark xiv, 50, 51. 



THE LIFE OF CHKIST. 45 

XXV. 
The Trial and the Oondemnation. 

It was probably about midnight between Thursday and Friday, when the 
arrest of Jesus was made. There appears to have been still among the leaders 
a great fear of a popular uprising in favor of Jesus, if they proceeded at once 
publicly against him. They therefore took him first to the house of Annas, 
who seems to have been a man of great authority in religious matters. He 
was the father-in-law of the high priest, and is reported by some reputable 
writers as having previously been the high priest himself, but deposed by 
the Roman government. The proceedings here were doubtless informal and 
tentative, rather than judicial. The leaders were still in doubt as to how far 
they might safel}'^ go. But it was determined to go on with the prosecution, 
and he was taken to the high priest, the highest judicial functionary of the 
Jews. The brief examination by the high priest, perhaps, indicates a desire 
to ascertain how far the rulers themselves had become infected with the con- 
viction of his Messiahship. The Sanhedrim, or great council, was called to- 
gether at early dawn, and, in unseemly haste, they proceeded to the formal 
trial. There was a remarkable lack of testimony against Jesus. It was only 
at the last that two false witnesses were found, who, on the slight cross-exam- 
ination which some fair-minded members of the council seem to have made, 
so contradicted one another that their testimony, not very important even if 
true, was quite annihilated. Jesus made no defense, called no witnesses, 
asked no questions. They, at last, called him to testify concerning himself. 
He calmly expressed his confident conviction that nothing which he could 
say would avail any thing with them; that the result was a foregone conclu- 
sion, and that his condemnation was determined. But he boldly assured them 
of his future appearance on the throne of the world's judgment, at God's right 
hand. He was then directly asked, under the form of solemn oath, to declare 
whether lie were the Messiah and Son of God. He, with equal directness, 
with simplicity and solemnity, aflirmed that he was. This was instantly 
seized upon as satisfactory evidence against him, and, in token of this, the 
high priest gave the usual sign of distress and horror by rending his clothes. 
It needs to be said that this fully sustained the charge of blasphemy, unless 
there was also evidence that Jesus was what he professed to be. But this 
evidence had been furnished, in great abundance, before the eyes of all of 
them; and to this, Christ had constantly appealed, and, in view of it, had 
already pronounced their condemnation. They had willfully, wickedly and 
obstinately rejected the most palpable evidence of their own Messiah. 

The next step, ia accordance with simple Jewish law, would have been 
to conduct Jesus outside of the city, and then for the people to stone him to 
death. But there were two reasons for not doing this. One vvas, that Judea 
was now a Roman province, and Jewish tribunals had not the power to inflict 
the punishment of death. That must be left to the imperial authorities. Very 
likely, however, this of itself would not have prevented that result, as we 



46 BIBLE STUDY. 

find there were previous occasions on which they would have resorted to this 
method, even without form of trial, had not Jesus disappeared from the midst 
of his foes. The other reason probably was, that, in the light of the recent 
popular enthusiasm for Jesus, it was not deemed entirely safe to risk it. In 
this, too, was the fulfillment of his own prediction, that he should be delivered 
to the hands of the gentiles, and be crucified. For both the reasons assigned, it 
was desirable that there should be a formal condemnation of Jesus by the Ro- 
man authority; and yet it was only by the utmost urgency and clamor that Pi- 
late, who was fully disposed to acquit him, could be persuaded to condemn 
him. 



John xviii. 13 ; xix. 4-17. Matt. xxvi. 57-75 ; xxvii. 1—34. Mark xiv. 53—73 ; xv. 1-24. 
Luke xxii. 4—7, 54—71 ; xxiii. 1—32. 

1. Jesus brought to Annas. Jno. xviii. 13, 14. Who was he ? (See 
Introduction.) 

2. Peter follows, is accused of being Jesus' disciple, and denies, repeat- 
ing his denial once and again, as Jesus had foretold. Jesus' look at Peter, 
and Peter's remorse. Matt. xxvi. 58, and 69— 75; Mark xiv. 54, and 66 — 72; 
Lu. xxii. 54 — 62; Jno. xviii. 15 — 18. 

3. The preliminary examination. Jesus' answer. The smiting. The 
remonstrance. Jno. xviii. 19 — 23. 

4. Jesus sent to Caiaphas. Gathering of the council. Attempt to bring 
testimony. The evidence meager, trivial, and contradictory. Though urged 
to reply, he makes no defense. Jno. xviii. 24; Matt. xxvi. 57 — 65; Mark xiv. 
53—61; Lu. xxii. 66. 

5. Jesus himself questioned and adjured. His bold, dignified and ma- 
jestic reply; his calm assumption of Messiahship and Divinity. Lu. xxii. 6(5 
—70; Matt. xxvi. 63, 64; Mark xiv. 61, 62. 

6. Excitement and indignation of the council, who, on this profession, 
summarily condemn him. Contemptuous and insulting treatment. Lu. xxii. 
63—65 and 71; Matt. xxvi. 65—68. Mark xiv. 63—65. 

7. What would be the usual course after the condemnation ? Why was 
it not pursued ? (Introduction.) Jesus before the Roman governor. The 
accusation called for by Pilate. What reply was made V What did Pilate 
wish them to do, and what did they answer ? Jno. xviii. 28 — 32; Matt, xxvii. 
1, 2; Mark xv. 1; Lu. xxiii. 1. 

8. New accusations. Was there any evidence? Lu. xxiii. 2. Pilate 
examines him as to the charge of setting himself up for a king. What does 
Jesus say as to his kingship and his kingdom ? Jno. xviii. 33—38. The im- 
pression left on Pilate's mind. 39. 

9. Christ's silence at the accusations, and Pilate's wonder. Matt, xxvii. 
12 — 14; Mark xv. 3 — 5. The disposition of Pilate toward Jesus al this point, 
and its reception by the people. Lu. xxiii. 4, 5. The mention of Galilee, 
and what occurred. 6, 7. 

10. Reception by Herod. His motive. What Herod was this ? The 
conduct of Jesus here. Insulted by Herod and his attendants. Effect on 
the relations between Pilate and Herod. Lu. xxiii. 6 — 12. 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 47 

11. Pilate's decision. Tlie custom of release. Jesus or Barrabbas ? 
Pilate's wife's entreaty. Matt, xxvii. 15—21; Mark xv. 6—11; Lu. xxiii. 13 
^19; Jno. xviii. 39. 40. 

12. Pilate's continued disposition to release Jesus. Overcome by the 
fury of the mob, he yields, but washes his hands of the crime. Did this ex- 
culpate Pilate ? Matt, xxvii. 22—26; Mark xv. 12—15; Lu. xxiii. 20—24. 

13. Jesus delivered to the Roman soldiers. Their maltreatment of him. 
Matt, xxvii. 27—30; Mark and Luke. 

14. John's account of Pilate's final action. Further conversation with 
Jesus. Fear, perplexity, vacillation, and final consent. Jno. xix. 4 — 16. 

15. Remorse of Judas. Futile attempt to repair his error. His despair 
and suicide. Use made of the returned bribe. Matt, xxvii. 3 — 10. 

16. Jesus carrying the cross on which he was to suffer. Another com- 
pelled to help. Matt, xxvii. 31, 32; Mark xv. 20, 21; Lu. xxiii. 26; Jno. xix. 
16. 17. 

17. Great concourse of people. Weeping women. Words of Jesus to 
them. Lu. xxiii. 27 — 31. 

18. Ari-ival at Golgotha or Calvary. The customary stupefying draught 
offered and declined. Mark xv. 22, 23 ; Matt, xxvii. 33, 34; Lu. xxiii. 33. 
Jno. xix. 17. 



XXVI. 

The Crucifixion and the Burial. 

Matt, xxvii. 35—66 ; Mark xv. 25—46 ; Luke xxiii. 33—56 ; Jno. xix. 19—42. 

1. The two malefactors. Fulfillment of prophecy. Prayer of Jesus. 
Mark xv. 25—28; Matt, xxvii. 35—38; Lu. xxiii. 32—34. 

2. Title of tJie accusation, in the three languages of the three great civi- 
lizations. Chagrin of the Jews, and Pilate's mockery. Jno. xix. 19 — 22; 
Matt, xxvii 37; Mark xv. 26: Lu. xxiii. 38. 

3. Distribution of Chiist's garments, and lottery for the outer robe. 
Revilings of the people, and tauntings of scribes and priests. What great 
truth did they unconsciously utter ? Jno. xix. 2U — 24; Matt, xxvii. 85 — 37. 
Mark xv. 24—32; Lu. xxiii. 24—37. 

4. Conduct of the malefactors. Penitence and salvation of one. Lu. 
xxiii. 39 — 43. Matt, and Mark. 

5. The women at the cross. Jesus commends his mother to the care 
of .lohn. Jno. xix. 25 — 27; Matt, xxvii. 35; Mark xv. 40, 41. 

6. The great darkness at noonday. The terrible cry of Jesus. Re- 
sponse of the by-standers. The thirst; the sponge and the vinegar. "It is 
FLN-iSHED." Final utterance and death. Matt, xxvii. 45— 50; Mark xv. 36, 
37; Jno. xix. 28—30; Lu. xxiii 44—46. 

7. Rending of the sacred veil, convulsions of nature, and other extra- 



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